Anna Richards won 49 caps, a Black Ferns’ record, in a stellar playing career that spanned almost two decades of continuous service, from 1990-2008. In total, she made 54 appearances for New Zealand and was on the losing side only twice. 

The four-time Women’s Rugby World Cup winner played in every minute of the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 finals. She also played in the 1991 tournament when New Zealand lost in the semi-finals.

Upon graduating from Canterbury University, where she first took up rugby, Richards also enjoyed a highly-decorated provincial career with Auckland Storm. She was a key member of the team that went unbeaten from 1994-2005, capturing numerous titles along the way. She also played club rugby in Italy and England.

An all-round sportswoman, Richards played provincial netball for Canterbury and also represented New Zealand in sevens and touch rugby. She is currently coach of the Hong Kong women’s sevens team.