Danny Richardson

Danny Richardson (born ) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a or for the Widnes Vikings in the Championship, on loan from the York Knights in the Super League. He has also played for the England Knights at international level.

He has previously played for St Helens, Castleford Tigers and Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League. He has spent time on loan or dual registration at Sheffield Eagles, Leigh Centurions, and York in the Championship, and at Hull KR, Huddersfield Giants, and Salford Red Devils in the Super League.

Background Richardson was born in Widnes, Cheshire, England.

Richardson played junior rugby league for Widnes Moorfield and Halton Farnworth Hornets. He initially signed for the Widnes Vikings academy system, before joining the St Helens scholarship side aged 16.

On 25 September 2016, Richardson was named Man of the Match for his performance in the Academy Grand Final victory against Wigan.

Career St Helens On 9 February 2017, Richardson made his Super League début for St Helens against the Leeds Rhinos. In October 2017, he signed a new three-year deal at St Helens, with the option of a further year.

Richardson was ever-present for the Saints in 2018, making 34 appearances and scoring 6 tries, 147 goals and 7 drop goals. His outstanding personal season saw him named in the 2018 Super League Dream Team.

Sheffield Eagles (dual registration) In July 2017, having featured just four times in his first season at professional level, Richardson played for Championship outfit Sheffield Eagles through their new dual registration deal with St Helens. In his only appearance, he scored a try and converted seven goals.

Leigh Centurions (dual registration) Richardson made 6 appearances for the Leigh Centurions in the Championship at the beginning of the 2019 season, kicking 9 goals. He was acquired following the departure of Luke Gale, and would partner Jake Trueman in the halves. Head coach Daryl Powell said, "He has a sharp rugby mind alongside his ability to kick the ball in a special way both for goal and tactically." He scored his first try for the Tigers against Hull Kingston Rovers on 27 February, for an individual haul of 16 points. Richardson made a total of 16 appearances throughout the COVID-disrupted season, scoring 2 tries, 54 goals and 1 drop goal.

In June 2021, Richardson was made available to Super League clubs for transfer, having been omitted from Castleford's squad for the Challenge Cup semi-final.

Richardson suffered a neck fracture in round 1 of the 2022 season, ruling him out until June. In round 19, Richardson scored a try, kicked five goals and one drop goal in Castleford's 35–22 victory over the Warrington Wolves. On 9 August 2022, Richardson signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Castleford until the end of the 2024 season. Weeks later, however, he sustained a torn ACL and MCL against the Salford Red Devils. This serious injury caused him to miss the remainder of 2022, as well as the entire 2023 season.

After 18 months on the sidelines, Richardson returned to training for 2024 pre-season. In May, having lost his place in the starting lineup to Rowan Milnes, Richardson was allowed to depart on loan.

Hull Kingston Rovers (loan) On 9 May 2024, Super League club Hull Kingston Rovers announced that they had signed Richardson on a season-long loan deal.

Hull Kingston Rovers On 23 August 2024, Richardson signed for Hull Kingston Rovers on a permanent basis, joining on a two-year deal from the 2025 season.

Huddersfield Giants (loan) On 6 February 2025, Richardson joined Huddersfield Giants on an initial two-week loan. On 20 February, he was recalled early by Hull KR, having played just one game for the Giants.

Salford Red Devils (loan) On 24 June 2025, Richardson signed for Salford Red Devils in the Super League on a two-week loan.

York Knights (loan) On 8 August 2025, Richardson joined York Knights in the RFL Championship on loan until the end of the season.

York Knights On 21 October 2025, York announced the signing of Richardson on a permanent basis, agreeing a one-year deal for 2026.

Widnes Vikings (loan) On 11 June 2026, it was reported that Richardson had signed for hometown club Widnes Vikings on loan until the end of the 2026 season.

He made his debut on 21 June 2026, scoring 8 goals, in the 0-48 win over Hunslet RLFC.

International career In July 2018 he was selected in the England Knights Performance squad.

In 2019 he was selected for the England Knights against Jamaica at Headingley Rugby Stadium.

Club statistics

+ Appearances and points in all competitions by year Club Season Tier St Helens 2017 Super League 13 2 0 2 10 2018 Super League 34 6 147 7 325 2019 Super League 12 2 28 0 64 Total 59 10 175 9 399 → Sheffield Eagles (DR) 2017 Championship 1 1 7 0 18 → Leigh Centurions (DR) 2019 Championship 6 0 9 0 18 Castleford Tigers 2020 Super League 16 2 54 1 117 2021 Super League 18 1 52 3 111 2022 Super League 12 2 33 3 77 2023 Super League 0 0 0 0 0 2024 Super League 5 0 11 0 22 Total 51 5 150 7 327 Hull Kingston Rovers 2024 Super League 2 0 7 0 14 2025 Super League 4 0 12 0 24 Total 6 0 19 0 38 → Huddersfield Giants (loan) 2025 Super League 1 0 2 0 4 → Salford Red Devils (loan) 2025 Super League 2 0 0 0 0 York Knights 2024 Championship 0 0 0 0 0 2026 Super League 3 0 12 1 25 Total 3 0 12 1 25→ Widnes Vikings (loan) 2026 RFL Championship 1 0 8 0 16 Career total 130 16 382 17 845