Rise of Richmond: Rory reflects on breakout season ahead of Scottish Senior debut
The Scottish Men’s team return to Division 1 in the European Team Championships at the end of April and will face a tough opening to the tournament, facing off against Ireland and the reigning champions England within their opening two matches. Joining the confirmed squad for 2025 is emerging Scottish star Rory Richmond who has enjoyed a breakout season at the senior level during his second year at the University of Birmingham.
The 20-year-old has been progressing his squash with the university’s Men’s 1st team this season, culminating with Birmingham triumphantly winning the BUCS national title earlier this week. Individually, Rory has been competing in PSA Challenger & Satellite tournaments, with a win at the Torneo Città d’Italia #1 Satellite and runner-up finishes at the Oban and Boston 3k Challenger events. Rory also notably won the U23 National title in Glasgow in January and saw off his Scottish teammate Alasdair Prott in an impressive five-game display in February at the final Scottish Senior Gold event of the season.
With Prott and Richmond now set to team up in Poland in a few weeks’ time, we caught up with Rory on what has been a stellar season that will continue in Poland with a chance to play alongside the country’s best players, including legends of the Scottish game such as Alan Clyne, Greg Lobban and Lisa Aitken.
“For me, representing the senior team is a dream come true,” said Rory. “Since a young age, each year I have been able to watch the team perform in the European and World Team Championships, and the thought of playing alongside and being on a team with players who I’ve looked up to for years is extremely exciting.”
Richmond with Edmon Lopez at the Oban 3k prizegiving
BUCS Champions! Richmond celebrates with the Birmingham Men’s team
Progress & Preparation
“At the start of the season, on top of my usual training, I took up some mental coaching which has really changed my attitude on court and helped me gain more focus. Improving my mentality has enhanced my decision making on court,” Rory explained. “Also, I have a friendly rivalry with my teammate John Meehan, and he has been a player that has pushed me on. I have managed to win 2 of our 3 five-setter matches this season, which were key matches for the Order of Merit points towards selection.
“It was amazing to win the BUCS title this week, and I have some more weeks of training lined up in Birmingham for the meantime. In the weeks leading up to the Europeans, I’ll have Easter break off and will train alongside my teammates in Edinburgh.”
Europe Calling
With a debut at the Team Championships on the horizon, we asked Rory about Scottish prospects at the event.
“I feel confident in our team to give absolutely everything in each match and do as best we can,” said Rory. “Many in the team have a lot of professional experience and I believe that will help us dig out some hard-fought battles. Being on the senior team for the first time, I want to bring that extra bit of support for the team, adding to the energy that the team already has.
“I’m feeling confident to play against different opponents, I really have nothing to lose, so I know I’ll go into each match at 110%!”
Get to know Rory better with some quickfire questions to finish!
Favourite venue / court you have played on? Court 5 at Edinburgh Sports Club
Squash idol? Gregory Gaultier
Favourite other sport? Rugby
Must-do in pre-match routine? Hydrate!
Favourite shot to play? Backhand volley drop
If squash had walk-on music, what would yours be? Thunderstruck by AC/DC!
To follow Team Scotland in Poland, you can view the draws for the ESF Team Championships 2025 here and follow all the action from Wrocław via European Squash TV. Plus don’t forget to follow Scottish Squash on Facebook, Instagram and X.com for updates.
