Richardson (28) played in the outside backs for Otago from 2003 to 2008 before returning to her home province of Hawkes Bay.
"I've always wanted to come back to Dunedin and play for Otago Spirit again," she said.
Her highlight for Otago came in 2007 when it reached the national final and was only beaten 32-27 by a powerhouse Auckland team.
"We had team cohesion," Richardson said. "I really enjoyed it. It was a good season and we nearly beat Auckland. I remember it vividly."
Richardson played for the Black Ferns from 2003-07 and was a member of the winning World Cup team in Edmonton in 2006.
"I have unfinished business and will try to make that team again this year," Richardson said.
The highlight of her time with the Black Ferns was to beat England 25-17 in the World Cup final.
"It was special going off the field after the final and getting the gold medal around my neck," Richardson said. "I will never forget that."
Richardson played for Otago for six years when she was a student. She then shifted back to Hawkes Bay and taught at Hastings Girls' High School for three years.
The decision by the Otago Rugby Football Union to dump the Spirit for financial reasons was the spur that brought Richardson and Black Ferns Kelly Brazier and Kathleen Wilson back to the province.
"We owe it to the people who contributed money to get us back into the NPC," Richardson said.
The three women were playing rugby in Canada when they heard news of the plan to raise money to revive the Spirit.
"I followed it on Facebook and on the news," Richardson said.
Richardson and Wilton were player-coaches for the Strathcona Druids in Calgary.
Otago started the season positively with an 8-7 win against Wellington, which reached the final last year.
"The weather at Wellington was horrendous and it was good to get the first win under our belt," Richardson said.
"We have to prove to the union that we are worthy of being in the NPC."
The Otago Spirit plays Canterbury in Christchurch today.
Otago Spirit
The team
Halie Hurring, Greer Muir, Claire Richardson, Victoria Nafatali, Ange Taylor, Kelly Brazier, Claire Smith, Angie Sisifa, Kerry Stoddart, Rebecca Todd, Nicky Crawford, Elenoa Lilo, Phillipa Love, Karina Nafatali, Kat Wilton.
Reserves: Lucy Emery, Rachel Scott, Biddy Sefton, Leyhana Vanvugt, Megan Kane, Jenna Aikman, Sheree Hume
