How Wests Tigers Legend Pat Richards Became Conor McGregor's 'Cousin' — And Introduced the UFC Star to Rugby League

Few people would have imagined that Wests Tigers premiership hero Pat Richards and UFC superstar Conor McGregor would one day become close family.

But long before McGregor became one of the biggest names in combat sports, the Irish icon was already part of Richards' extended family through his relationship with longtime partner and now wife Dee Devlin.

Richards is the first cousin of Devlin, making the former NRL winger a regular presence at major McGregor family events—including the couple's lavish wedding in Italy last December and several Christmas celebrations in Ireland.

Their friendship dates back to around 2012 when Richards, then playing for Wigan Warriors in England, returned to Ireland for his grandfather's funeral.

At the time, McGregor was still an up-and-coming fighter competing in Cage Warriors.

"I actually asked him what he did," Richards recalled. "He started telling me about being an MMA fighter, his training, his diet—everything. Even then, you could tell how focused he was."

Within a few years, McGregor had transformed into the UFC's biggest global superstar.

Despite the fame, Richards says family gatherings remain surprisingly normal.

"When you're all together at Christmas, he's just another dad with his kids running around," Richards said. "It's really just about family."

One memorable Christmas even left McGregor puzzled after receiving a classic Australian gift.

"My wife bought the family stuffed koalas and boomerangs," Richards laughed. "Conor picked up the boomerang and asked, 'What is this?' Apparently, he'd never seen one before."

Richards has also introduced McGregor to rugby league.

Although he admits he has never shown the Irishman the famous Benji Marshall flick pass that helped Wests Tigers win the 2005 NRL Grand Final, he has shared plenty of NRL highlights over the years.

"Conor has asked about rugby league, and I've shown him some clips," Richards explained. "He loves it. Coming from such a physical sport like MMA, he really appreciates how tough the NRL is."

The pair have even discussed the NRL's expansion into Las Vegas, with Richards revealing McGregor would love the opportunity to fight at Allegiant Stadium one day.

Now, as McGregor prepares for his highly anticipated UFC return against Max Holloway, Richards will once again be watching from afar.

"I've always loved watching his fights," Richards said. "Whenever Conor fights, you know something special is about to happen."