Previous profiles in this series have concentrated on the senior players
in the First XV squad; those with long experience of League rugby under
their belt. This profile, however, looks at a talented young player from
the West Country seeking to establish himself as one of the best back
row forwards in both Moseley and National League One, whilst fully
adjusting to life in Birmingham.
Richie Bignell was born in Bristol in July 1986; he is 21. He was
educated at Colstons Collegiate School, an independent co-educational
school in Bristol, and Bath University where he obtained a degree in
Sports Coaching & Exercise Science.
Encouraged by his Father, he was taught rugby at Thornbury RFC, his
local rugby club, and after prep school moved to Colstons’ sixth form to
play his rugby, followed by Bath University. Richie has played in all
three back row positions before settling down to open side wing forward.
At fifteen stone and six feet one inch his build is ideally suited to
the flanker’s role.
Richie joined Bristol Rugby Club when he was 14 and started out in the
England Academy having been spotted by Paul Hull at a County training
session.
Richie’s potential was recognised early by England for whom he played in
the Under 18 side in season 2003/04. He was with Bristol Rugby Academy
from a young age, from where he progressed and made his first team debut
in National League One at the age of 18. Richie then played most of his
rugby in the Guinness Premiership A League for Bristol, and also for
Bath University, from where he was capped for England Students in season
2006/07.
Having been with Bristol since his youth, Richie made a life changing
decision to leave Bristol to further his rugby career to gain invaluable
1st XV experience by playing in National Division 1.
Richie joined Moseley just before the start of the 2006-07 season where
he was honoured to receive the Players ‘Player of the Year’ award. So
far this season he has played fifteen games for the First XV. Whenever
possible he is supported by his parents and his girlfriend Caroline, who
is a nurse in Bristol. He shares a flat in Kings Heath and has adjusted
to the faster pace of life in a large city.
Richie’s ‘day job’ is that of a coach within Moseley’s rugby coaching
for schools programme. His University degree provides him with all the
necessary background but he confessed that he had not expected the
responsibility that comes with the job. He has now settled down and has
successfully taken his Level 1 coaching examination; with Level 2 to
follow shortly.
An openside wing forward binds on the scrum furthest from the touch
line. He is a ball winner whose role is to disrupt the opposition’s
backs. The fastest of the forwards he often provides an extra man for
his own backs in an attacking move. For much of the game he stays
(hopefully) just on the right side of the off-side line. This is,
however, where each individual referee says it is! Like countless
flankers before him, Richie wants greater consistency from a referee
during a particular game, and between referees, and dreads giving a
match losing penalty away because he has lost concentration.
The longer term future of Moseley lies with young men like Richie. He is
a fine role model for all those of his age in the club who aspire to the
First XV and even beyond;
fit, intelligent, hard working and a true team player. We will wish him
well as his rugby career develops.
Born 1986 (8 July) Bristol
Height 1.85m (6ft 1”)
Weight 95 kg (15st)
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