Richard Fisher’s PDRL story

Castleford Tigers Foundation PDRL player Richard Fisher made his debut for the Fords at our Physical Disability Super League Festival at The Jungle last weekend.

It was a brilliant day with teams from Warrington, Leeds, Wakefield, Bradford, Wigan, and Castleford all playing at least two matches each in front of a fantastic number of spectators at Wheldon Road.

Richard, along with friend George Willshaw, both ran out for the first time for Tigers’ PDRL side, and he began by explaining how he got involved with physical disability rugby.

“I go to a club called Andy’s Man Club on a Monday evening and one of the lads there plays for the team. I had a chat with him, and he told me all about it.

“I snapped my LCL last year and I then had a car crash which led to me having a fractured kneecap that will never repair fully. I was told that I would never play rugby ever again and that was heartbreaking.

“At 33 years of age, I was just starting to enjoy my rugby again and being told that you’re not allowed to play, it was hard.

“To get the opportunity to come down and play here it was sort of a relief. To be able to come and do what I love, without pushing myself and my injury too hard or too far. I have loved every minute of it so far.”

Andy’s Man Club provide a free, open talking group for 18+ year old men at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle every Monday at 7pm, giving men a platform to talk about their issues under the philosophy that “It’s okay to talk”.

Richard is involved in the club as a facilitator, and he put forward just how vital it has been for him to be involved in the open talking group and how being back playing the sport he loves has impacted his outlook in a positive way.

“It’s been fantastic. Without Andy’s Man Club, I wouldn’t be here today. It’s saved me no end. I enjoy facilitating for them and bringing new people in. We use the facilities at The Jungle to host the group and it’s fantastic.

“Being able to play PDRL alongside it, it’s boosted my morale from being really low to massive. It’s unbelievable. I’m not a Cas fan but to play here and have the privilege to play with the lads, it’s amazing.”

In closing, Fisher thanked his teammates for the warm welcome he has received since joining the team and outlined just how honored he is to be involved with the Fords’ PDRL side.

“It’s as if I have been playing with them all season. They have welcomed us, and it seems like it’s a real family atmosphere and it’s great to meet new people. The matches were even tougher than I expected but I can’t actually put into words how privileged I feel.”

If you would like to get involved with Castleford Tigers PDRL team, contact matlancaster@castigers.com.