The new life of Richie Collins, the policeman who didn't understand the Wales team's drinking culture

Richie Collins played basketball and rugby for Wales in the 1980s and 1990s. He was at odds with the drinking culture of the time and the old school approach to touring. Now into his 60th year, he is reminiscing about his playing career. He didn't take a conventional route into rugby either, taking up the game in his late teens.

Richie Collins played rugby for Newport, Pontypridd and South Wales Police RFC. He made his Wales debut against England in 1987. Richie played in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. He didn't understand the drinking culture of the team. His father suggested he should play flanker. In the end Richie switched to the position. The skills he learned in basketball were useful in rugby. It was an excellent experience playing in NZ. he played 104 games for the Black & Ambers between 1983 and 1986. After that he was selected for Wales B. and the 1986 tour of Italy. Richard played against the All Blacks in a rugby World cup in 1988.

Richie Collins has been out of rugby for two decades. He was a policeman at the time. He didn't understand the Wales team's drinking culture. His career would have been better if he worked as hard as the players do now.