**Richard Hibbard Admits to Playing Under Pseudonym as Ospreys Player in Revealing Rugby Podcast**
In a candid recent interview, former Wales rugby international Richard Hibbard has confessed to playing rugby matches under a false name during his time at the Ospreys, in a bid to maintain his fitness away from the spotlight of the professional game. The surprising revelation emerged during Hibbard’s appearance on BBC’s Scrum V podcast, “The Warm Up,” with host Lauren Jenkins, where he opened up about the unconventional methods he used to stay match-ready.
Hibbard, who earned 38 caps for Wales and was widely respected for his contributions as a front-row forward, discussed the challenges he faced when first joining the professional ranks. Admitting that he “used to hate training,” Hibbard elaborated that his preference was always to play rather than spend hours on traditional fitness drills. He found opportunities to turn out for a array of local teams, seizing any chance to get on the pitch, particularly on Wednesday nights or Sunday evenings—much to the benefit of grassroots Welsh rugby.
However, with strict policies governing professional players’ off-the-books involvement in local fixtures, Hibbard explained that he and his team manager devised a plan to keep his participation under wraps. “They came up with some real good names,” Hibbard joked, revealing that he played regularly under the name ‘Hubert Richards.’ Reports of his performances under this alias even made it into local newspapers, with “Hubert” quickly gaining a reputation on the amateur circuit.
According to Hibbard, the clandestine arrangement worked for some time, allowing him to avoid club management’s watchful eye and avoid unnecessary attention. It was only after Sean Long, a figure well-known in rugby circles, caught wind of the situation that the ruse came to an end. Long, pursuing rumours of an unusually talented player appearing in local matches, eventually confronted Hibbard, bringing the masquerade abruptly to a close.
Reflecting on the episode, the former Lions tourist recounted the light-hearted moments it produced. He told Jenkins with a wry smile that his crowning achievement that year came when he was named “Man of Steel”—only to see the trophy awarded to his invented persona. “My trophy came in a different name though!” Hibbard admitted, highlighting one of the many quirks that defined his colourful career.
Hibbard’s fond recollections extended to describing his preferred positions, stating, “I was prop and loose forward—a lot of carries, a lot of tackles. My favourite part, to be fair!” This snapshot into Hibbard’s love for the physical side of rugby comes as no surprise to those who watched his energetic style over the years.
The 41-year-old finally hung up his boots in 2022, bringing to a close a stellar career that included spells at Ospreys, Gloucester, the Dragons, and of course, the Welsh national side and the British and Irish Lions. Since retiring, Hibbard has thrown himself into various ventures, including running two restaurants in his native town and launching his own rum brand, Mortal Bunny.
In a move that reflects his continued passion for the game, Hibbard has also assumed the position of chief executive of Wales Rugby League, contributing his experience towards developing the sport at all levels within the country. His journey from anonymous local hero to international star—and now, respected leader off the field—demonstrates the diverse paths open to modern rugby players.
Hibbard’s tale offers a rare glimpse into the lengths professional athletes sometimes go to in order to hone their skills and maintain a competitive edge, despite the mounting pressures and restrictions imposed by elite sport. While not condoning rule-breaking, many supporters will likely see a certain charm in his resourcefulness, as well as his enduring commitment to the game he loves.
The account has sparked plenty of good-natured debate among Welsh rugby fans, with some joking that “Hubert Richards” deserves his own commemorative plaque. It’s a timely reminder of the grassroots origins of even the most celebrated players, and how the spirit of rugby continues to thrive at all levels across Wales.