He returned to action at the beginning of the year but his shoulder problem reoccurred. It was at this point, in May 2009 and after of trying many different courses of treatment to repair his shoulder, Richard was advised the damage to his shoulder was irreversible and following the second operation on his shoulder that year, he was advised he should not play rugby anymore.
At the beginning of the year, he resumed his activities but his shoulder problem reappeared. In May 2009, after trying different treatments to repair his shoulder, Richard was advised that the damage could not be reversed and following another operation on his shoulder that same year, he was advised against playing rugby.