Mick Murphy - Prop
Wales RLHeritage No | 294 |
Date Of Birth | 30/09/1941 |
Place Of Birth | Liverpool |
Height | 193 |
Weight | 108 |
Clubs | St. Jacques, Tonneins & District, Bradford Bulls, Wagga Wagga, St Helens, Barrow Raiders, Leigh Leopards, Waterloo |
Regions | Lancashire |
Honours | Wales RL |
Liverpool-born, Mick Murphy qualified for Wales under the heritage rule. His five caps included three appearances in the 1975 Rugby League World Cup, one of which was the famous 25-24 win over New Zealand in Swansea – the last time that Wales beat the Kiwis at full international level in either rugby code. A fast prop forward, it was once reported that Mick could sprint 100 yards in 11 seconds, Mick started his career in rugby union with Waterloo, turning professional with Leigh in 1963. He then moved to Barrow in 1969 and St Helens in 1972, who he helped with the league championship in the 1974-75 season. During that time he represented Lancashire twice. Switching to Bradford Northern for two seasons from 1975, he then moved abroad and spent much of the 1977 Australian season with New South Wales side Wagga Wagga. On his return to Europe, he spent time in France with Tonneins XIII and St Jacques XIII. He then turned to club management and was part of a three-man consortium who rescued Huddersfield in 1988 when the club was heading for liquidation. He persuaded Alex Murphy to become coach, which led to a revival in the club’s fortunes. His contribution to the club now known as Huddersfield Giants was recognised when he was made a life member. Not content with just becoming a chairman of the rugby league club, Murphy was eventually given the same position at Huddersfield rugby union, also pulling on his boots again for the 15-a-side club’s Extra C side until the age of 60. Mick had a varied career away from rugby, starting out as a teacher. He once stood as a parliamentary candidate in Knowsley, and like a few other former Wales internationals, later turned to television acting. He died on March 3rd 2019, aged 77.
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