The winners of the Test series will hold aloft the inaugural Tom Richards Trophy, named after one of those extraordinary sports' individuals of the early 20th century. In this case, Richards has the unique distinction of being the only man to have played for both the Wallabies and the Lions.
Born in New South Wales in 1882, Richards was the son of a wandering Cornishman who came to Australia during the Gold Rush. Having played for some Queensland sides, Richards followed his father to South Africa, where he was working in the mines. A fast, openside flanker, he played Currie Cup for Transvaal and though deemed ineligibe to play for the Springboks, he travelled with them to England in 1906 as a supporter and ended up playing against them for Gloucestershire.
He returned to Australia, earning selection in the squad to tour Britain and actually scored the Wallabies first try in the opening international against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.
After returning to South Africa, his previous club membership at Gloucestershire allowed the injury-plagued Lions to utilise his services when they toured there in 1910 and so he played in both Tests.
Richards would again play for the Wallabies on tour in the US in 1912, even having further stints playing in England and in France with Biarritz. He enlisted in 1914, served in Gallipoli and won a Military Cross.
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