Richards was born in Glyn Ceiriog[a] and played non-league football for Bronygarth, Chirk and Oswestry United before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
[3] During his time at Wolves, Richards played 88 League games either side of World War I, scoring 22 goals.
[3] He gained five caps for Wales while with the club,[4] scoring in a 2–1 win against England during the 1919–20 British Home Championship.
[7] Richards picked up more international caps, playing at inside-left, at the 1923–24 British Home Championship, which saw victories for Wales against all three other teams.
[4] He went on to play for Welsh teams, Mold,[b] where he gained the last of 9 caps, and Colwyn Bay United, where he finished his career.