Richards returned to the side for the 2011 Vodacom Cup competition, scoring six tries in six starts for the side, including two in their match against the in Durban. He finished as the Sharks' second-highest try scorer behind Kobus de Kock and joint-7th overall. He also made his Currie Cup debut in 2011; he started four of their matches during the season – a 35–16 victory over the in Durban, a 23–22 victory over the in Nelspruit, a 43–34 home victory over the – which also saw Richards score his first Currie Cup try in the fourth minute of the match – and a 43–22 defeat to in Kimberley.
