Richards excited to begin new chapter with Hollywoodbets Dolphins

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins have strengthened their batting stocks ahead of the 2026/27 domestic season with the signing of accomplished top-order batter Josh Richards, who says a move to Durban is one he is excited to make.

Richards joins the Dolphins after establishing himself as one of the most consistent run-scorers in South African domestic cricket during his time with the DP World Lions and Gauteng. A product of St Stithians College, he also represented South Africa Under-19 and the South Africa Invitational XI side whilst building an impressive domestic career.

The 27-year-old arrives in KwaZulu-Natal fresh from a successful English club season with Tewkesbury Cricket Club in Gloucestershire, where he has produced a number of match-winning performances.

"I am very excited about the move," Richards said. "I have always told my close friends and family that if I had to play for any other team, I would want it to be the Dolphins."

Away from the field, Richards believes the move to Durban offers the ideal lifestyle for both himself and his wife.

"I absolutely love the ocean and I feel the lifestyle is a lot less busy than Johannesburg. The change of pace for me and my wife will be good.

"I also believe the Dolphins have a great team culture and an experienced coaching staff. To be part of the Dolphins' journey and history is going to be incredible."

Richards has built an outstanding domestic record since making his first-class debut with a century for Gauteng in 2018. Across all professional formats, he has amassed more than 5 000 runs, including multiple centuries, while earning a reputation as a technically accomplished top-order batter capable of batting for long periods in four-day cricket as well as anchoring limited-overs innings.

His career has included appearances for Gauteng, the DP World Lions, South Africa Under-19, CSA Emerging and CSA Invitational XI sides, while overseas stints in England have further broadened his experience.

With the Dolphins boasting a squad capable of challenging across all three domestic competitions, Richards has no hesitation when asked what success would look like in his first season in green and black.

"I have a few goals for the season but the obvious one would be to win some silverware."

Richards already has a strong connection within the Dolphins dressing room, identifying first-class captain and fellow St Stithians boy, Marques Ackerman as someone he is looking forward to playing alongside.

"I would say Marques. He's a great captain."

While he is no stranger to KwaZulu-Natal having spent time here away from cricket, Richards says settling into life on the coast should not take long.

"I've been on a few holidays to KZN, so I know my way around the Dolphin Coast."

With proven domestic pedigree, valuable leadership experience and a hunger to contribute to team success, Richards' arrival adds further quality to a Dolphins squad determined to compete for honours during the upcoming season.