Richard Hibbard, Swansea, Ospreys, Dragons, Gloucester, Wales, Barbarians and British and Irish Lions Hooker.

Across a near 20-year career his name, fierce tackling and flowing blonde locks were a staple of any team he played for.

What isn’t as well known is the career of Hubert Richards, a rugby league player with Aberavon Fighting Irish.

Richards, was the pseudonym Hibbard used to play rugby league during the summer months while he was contracted to the Ospreys.

Now, having retired from rugby union, life has come full circle with the former rugby union hooker appointed CEO of Wales rugby league.

“It’s come as a bit of a surprise for a lot of people,” said Hibbard.

“I’ve always had a massive affinity for Rugby League, I had trials at St Helen’s academy and when Ospreys got wind of it, they offered me a contract.

“It was always the plan to come back to play a season in rugby league after I retired from union but unfortunately that wasn’t possible after having to rebuild my shoulder.”

That meant Hibbard wasn’t able to follow in the footsteps of Gareth Thomas and Andy Powell in playing rugby league after their union careers.

League has struggled in the past to compete with union for popularity and Hibbard is aware that one of his main focuses with his new role will be to bring more participation to the 13-player game.

“We know there’s a wealth of talent in Wales and we consistently bat above our station on the world scene,” said Hibbard.

“Rugby union is at a crossroads right now, and I think it’s a really exciting opportunity for league to grow its brand.

“We need to get our numbers up and identify the next Regan Grace, Ben Flower and Keiron Cunnigham.

“Leaue has the best aspects of union, the tackles, carries, it’s a real arm wrestle and a great brand of rugby played at speed.”

It’s one thing to identify the players but league has seen several of its best talents switch to union including Grace who signed for Racing 92 before a long-term injury and has recently been announced as part of Bath’s squad for next season.

Currently the best side in the men’s game in Wales are the North Wales Crusaders who compete in Betfred League One.

“They had a fantastic season last year but just missed out on promotion,” said Hibbard.

“We want to build up from the bottom, allowing it to filter up through the age grades and not something that’s top heavy.

“It’s a great experience for me personally and a good time to get involved with the women’s World Cup qualifier this weekend against Ireland and the wheelchair rugby league team doing so well.”

“It’s not going to happened over night, it might take until the second or third World Cup cycle, we’ll have to be patient but it’s exciting.”