In a crossover event that has stunned the sporting world, former Wests Tigers premiership hero Pat Richards made a surprise appearance at the lavish, secret wedding of UFC superstar Conor McGregor earlier this month.
A Surprise Union at the Vatican
The former UFC featherweight and lightweight world champion tied the knot with his long-time partner, Dee Devlin, in a ceremony held at the Chiesa di Santo Stefano degli Abissini within the Vatican City. The event, which took place earlier this month, was attended by more than 150 guests, with details meticulously kept private until now.
Richards, whose parents both hail from Dublin, is reported to have a family connection with the Irish fighter. This link was hinted at in a social media post from Christmas 2022, which showed McGregor enjoying a beer with the NRL great.
Social Media Tributes and Secret Celebrations
The Wests Tigers legend, who attended the ceremony with his wife Kim, later took to Instagram to share his well-wishes for the couple. "Incredible family wedding. Congratulations Conor and Dee," he captioned a post featuring several photos from the exclusive event.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds were seen being chauffeured through the streets of Rome in a stunning white 1930s Rolls Royce. McGregor cut a dapper figure in a black tuxedo, waistcoat, and bow tie, while Devlin—the mother of his four children—radiated in a white lace dress, accessorised with diamond earrings and an elegant updo hairstyle.
Pat Richards: From NRL Immortality to a Global Guest List
Pat Richards is forever etched in rugby league history for scoring one of the NRL's most iconic tries. In the 2005 grand final, he was on the receiving end of Benji Marshall's legendary flick pass during the Tigers' 30-16 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys. That moment has been replayed in competition promotions countless times since.
The 43-year-old enjoyed a robust career, playing 119 NRL games and scoring 66 tries for Parramatta and Wests Tigers. He also had a highly successful stint in the English Super League with the Wigan Warriors from 2006 to 2013, where the towering winger—famed for his long dropout kicks—played 244 games, scored 167 tries, and landed a remarkable 2,468 goals.
The connection between the two sportsmen was further highlighted when McGregor congratulated the Warriors on their upcoming NRL match in Las Vegas, a clip Richards also shared. In a family link to the modern game, Richards' son Aidan is a centre who has played for the Macarthur Wests Tigers.
