The former Cross Keys prop had an emotional send-off before being laid to rest after losing his brave battle with cancer earlier this month. Mourners packed the stand as his coffin was carried onto the field where he played so many of his 413 games for the club.
Ritchies Final game @SophieWatkins14 @peteglast @grahamcoles5 @SteveMorrisSJM #RIPRD #keyskeyskeys pic.twitter.com/hYGev20xUm
— Cross Keys RFC (@crosskeysrfc) July 28, 2020
The 63-year-old prop had been fighting the disease with the same all-out commitment and tenacity he displayed on the field throughout an outstanding career that also took in appearances for Pontypool, Newport, Abertillery, Monmouthshire, Crawshay’s and UWIC.
Former Wales coach Mike Ruddock was among those who turned out to pay his respects to the old Keys front row warrior, as were many of his former team mates and opponents.
