Former bull rider Eric Richardson is getting ready to put his body on the line at the second instalment of the Pro Bull Riding (PBR) State of Origin Tournament.

To be hosted in Tamworth on 23 April, the Gresford local is taking on the role of a protection athlete (formerly known as rodeo clowns) to protect the riders and bulls in the competition. 

The Hunter resident is only new to the role, making his debut just a few weeks ago in Newcastle.

“Growing up I never really thought of it too much, I was always going to be a bull rider,” he said. 

“It’s only been the last few years [that I’ve thought about being a protection athlete].

“I wanted to try something different, there weren’t a lot of young bullfighters coming through in our area, so I thought it was a good time to do it and I’ve never looked back.”

The western sport is a family affair for the Richardsons. 

Eric and his three brothers Lachlan, Cliff and Tim Richardson have been riding since they were children, following in the footsteps of their uncle.

“Our uncle, he rode bulls years ago and he was sort of the main influence on my three older brothers, and he helped me a lot, and still does,” Eric said.  

“I got into the sport because of my older brothers, I rode bulls for a few years. 

“Lach and Cliff helped me get into that and then I’ve just recently in the last two years changed to bullfighting.

“Because I was riding bulls for so many years, I know a fair bit about the sport already which has helped.”

Cliff, who retired from the sport in 2020, was a star rider, as is Lachlan, who has spent time competing in America.

Eric is the first in the family to take on the role of a protection athlete. 

“I knew when I started that you’ve got to put your body on the line and save someone that you don’t even know half the time, I knew all that and I love it,” he said.

“I should have started years ago.”

As anticipation continues to build for the PBR event in Tamworth next weekend, many are eager to see which state will win, after Team Queensland stole the show in Newcastle.

“It should be a good event, really looking forward to it,” Eric said. 

“There are some good guys on the New South Wales team. We can’t have Queensland win on home turf.”

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