Richard was born in Bangalore British India on the 9th September 1938 (during the British Raj). In the early 1940’s the Sharp family returned to England, when Richard was still a boy, and settled in Redruth where his family roots were. He grew up in Redruth and as the story goes, learnt to play rugby on the playing fields at East End.
He joined Redruth Rugby Club and played his early years there. Richard made his Redruth debut in March 1956 in a game against Hayle which Redruth won 18-0. Richard was educated at Montpelier in Paignton, Blundell’s School in Tiverton and the Balliol College Oxford. He would return to his hometown at holiday times and don the red shirt whenever he could.
Richard served as an officer in the Royal Marines in the late 50’s early 60’s and played inter services rugby for the Royal Navy as well as representing the Combined Services. He also played rugby for Oxford University, Wasps, Bristol, and represented Cornwall from 1957 to 1967 winning 28 caps. He also played for the world-famous Barbarians on 6 occasions. He made his England debut in 1960 and went onto win 14 caps between 1960 and 1967 scoring 26 points. He was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 1962 and made 11 appearances including 2 Test matches scoring 11 points. Richard will be forever remembered for the wonderful individual try he scored whilst captaining his country against Scotland in the 1963 Five Nations Championship. His playing style was noted for elegance, pace and a certain artistry in the fly half position.

After rugby, Richard moved into teaching at Sherborne School and later into business in St Austell where he raised his family with his beloved Esther. Throughout the late 70’s and 80’s he also served as Rugby Correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph. He was awarded the OBE in 1986 for services to sport. Richard would attend home games whenever he was well enough and always spoke fondly of playing for Redruth at the Recreation Ground, a ground that he held in very high regard, and where he played his last first class match on the 4th March 1967 for Cornwall in the semi-final of the County Championship (ironically I was a ball boy at this match).

The club sends its sincere condolences to all the family at this very sad time. Our thoughts are with them all.

David Penberthy
Honorary President – Redruth RFC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhCaI2f6oKc&pp=ygUecmljaGFyZCBzaGFycCB
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