Richard de Carpentier (born 30 April 1990) is an English professional rugby union player who has competed at both the club and international levels. He is primarily known for his tenure with the England national rugby sevens team and his play as a back-row forward in the fifteen-a-side format of the game.
Early Life and Education
De Carpentier was educated at Sedbergh School, a noted rugby-playing institution in Cumbria. He later attended Loughborough University, where he represented the university's rugby team while pursuing his studies.
Club Career
De Carpentier began his professional career with the Leicester Tigers, making his debut for the club in 2011. During his time at Leicester, he also spent periods on loan with Nottingham to gain further experience.
In 2013, he moved to Worcester Warriors. He played for the club during their 2014–15 season in the RFU Championship, contributing to their promotion back to the Premiership.
Following a significant period focused on international sevens, de Carpentier returned to the fifteen-a-side game at the professional level later in his career. In 2021, he joined Bath Rugby, initially on a short-term basis, before his contract was extended due to his performances.
International Career
De Carpentier is most widely recognized for his achievements with the England national rugby sevens team. He became a mainstay of the squad on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit. His athleticism and skill in the breakdown made him a key component of the English side for several seasons.
In 2017, his contributions to the sport were recognized by his peers when he was named the Rugby Players' Association (RPA) England Sevens Player of the Year. He also represented England in major tournaments, including the Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.
Style of Play
As a back-rower, de Carpentier is noted for his mobility, aerial skills, and defensive work rate. These attributes transitioned effectively into rugby sevens, where his ability to compete for the ball at the breakdown and provide a physical presence in open space were highly valued.