Joseph Richards was an English rugby union footballer who played in the 1890s. He played at representative level for England, and at club level for Bradford FC, as a forward, e.g. front row, lock, or back row. Prior to Tuesday 27 August 1895, Bradford FC was a rugby union club, it then became a rugby league club, and since 1907 it has been the association football (soccer) club Bradford Park Avenue.
Joseph Richards was born in Bedworth, Warwickshire.
Joseph Richards won caps for England while at Bradford FC in 1891 against Wales, Ireland, and Scotland.