Local rugby legend Richard ‘Chub’ Lee has finally received his England cap – 40 years after representing his country.
He travelled to the Allianz Stadium where he was among 48 players presented with their caps retrospectively.
Regulations at the time deemed the ‘Victory Internationals’ – played shortly after the end of World War Two – and matches against the likes of Canada, Italy and Fiji were not granted full Test status.
Richard, who began his playing career with Wellington before joining Bath, was best known for playing with numerous England internationals in the great Bath team of the 80s.
He represented the club in 363 games from 1979, playing seven times for the Barbarians, with his last appearance in 1992 against Treviso.
Richard formed a formidable front row with the likes of Graham Dawe, Gareth Chilcott, David Sole and John Mallett.
Often in the company of Graham Dawe, who went on to coach Wellington, he used to drive thousands of miles up and back to Bath for training and matches.
The former prop, who farms locally, has received scores of congratulatory messages.
Richard said: “In a way, it feels a little bit strange. You don’t get the nod when you’re playing and then suddenly, when everything’s falling off, you’re a capped player.
“But it’s wonderful really. It’s the recognition of being the best, after all you put in. That you were at the top of your game.”
Richard was involved in a 1986 fixture in Italy at the Stadio Olimpico where the game ended in a 15pts-15 draw.
ABOVE: Richard is pictured, centre, with Jason Leonard (left), who won 114 caps for England, and Rob Udwin, previous RFU president.
BELOW: Jason Leonard presents Richard with his cap.
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