Former England footballer Micah Richards has revealed he was once scouted by Leeds Rhinos before choosing a career in football instead.
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The ex-Manchester City defender, who went on to become one of England’s youngest internationals before forging a successful media career, admitted rugby league could easily have been his path had he made a different decision as a teenager.
Richards made the revelation during a previously recorded episode of the Seven podcast with the late Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow, who died in June 2024 following his battle with motor neurone disease.
Growing up in Leeds, Richards was a passionate Rhinos supporter and admitted he was in awe of Burrow’s performances.
“I said to Kev, ‘You were good but Rob was better,'” Richards joked. “The way you’d take the challenges and then just go again. I was just like wow. I wasn’t always into rugby, I was brought up on football, but watching Rhinos was just amazing. Absolutely amazing.”
Richards then revealed he had been identified by Leeds Rhinos while playing rugby at school before being forced to choose between the two sports.
“I did play rugby at school and I did actually get scouted for Leeds, you can ask them as well. It’s in writing.
“I remember my dad always said to me, ‘Do you want to play rugby or football?’
“I just thought rugby was a little bit ferocious for me, so I chose football. Rugby is a sport I always loved but with my knees I don’t think I could have coped with it.”
Richards ultimately opted for football, making his Manchester City debut at just 17 before becoming an England international a year later.
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