Michael Purcell, Australian rugby union player, Died at 70

  Sports

Michael Peter Purcell was born on September 6, 1945, in Brisbane and died on January 5, 2016.

He was an Australian rugby union player.

Purcell represented his country.

Referred to as flanker and lock, claimed a total of 3 international rugby caps for Australia.

He retired at 21 yrs old and as a young tall backrower with three Tests behind him that was unheard of.

There were only two genuine Test players to have retired at an earlier age with one being the author of his book Max Howell, who in 1949 after five Tests retired at the age of 20 to pursue an overseas academic career.

Michael made his senior debut against New South Wales in Bathurst in 1965.

Michael Purcell passed away at 70 yrs old.