The flying winger will play for Ireland in the World Cup Down Under at the end of the year after another fabulously successful season at the JJB Stadium.

Richards insists that it will be a privilege to represent Ireland - his parents' birth place - in one of the sport's most prestigious international tournaments.
He reminded Warriors fans that his season isn't actually over after Warriors lost to Leeds in the last of the play-off qualifying games at Headingley last weekend.

Richards said: "Quite a few of the Wigan guys are looking forward to a number of weeks off, but that's not going to be the case for me.

"I've taken a couple of days since we were beaten by Rhinos, but that will be about it because I've got to to keep myself in shape and match fit.

"I'd planned to take my family to Australia for a holiday this winter anyway – now it will include playing for Ireland... if they pick me of course.

"But I don't really don't mind. In fact it's an honour and the extra games are going to help me keep in trim for when I return to Wigan next season."

The chances of Richards not being picked in an Irish starting line-up seem slim indeed.

The long-striding former Wests Tigers full-back was named player of the year at the JJB last month after another great summer.

Richards is currently heading the Super League season with 146 goals, five ahead of Kevin Sinfield of Leeds who has kicked 141, while Richards has also scored more points than any other player with 375, Sinfield again trailing him on 295.

The Australian is determined to take that consistent form with him on to the international arena in the colours of the Emerald Isle.

He added: "We've had a good summer here at Wigan despite the disappointment at the end.
"It's certainly my intention to help take Ireland as far as possible."
Richards could find himself lining up alongside Wigan team mates Eamon O'Carroll and Michael McIlorum, who are also included in the Irish camp, but not Paul Prescott, who has been forced to withdraw because of a back injury.

Richards may also come up against current Wigan team-mates Gareth Hock and Stuart Fielden and former Wigan stars Micky Higham and Mark Calderwood after they were drafted into the England World Cup squad last weekend.