Michael Maurice Leadbetter (1946–2009) was a rugby union international and rugby league player, who represented England in 1970.[1]

Mike Leadbetter
Birth nameMichael Maurice Leadbetter
Date of birth(1946-07-25)25 July 1946
Place of birthSouthport, England
Date of death17 April 2009(2009-04-17) (aged 62)
Height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
SchoolLadybarn
UniversityManchester College of Art and Design
Manchester University
Occupation(s)Director of Social Services
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
Broughton Park ()
Lancashire ()
1972 North West Counties ()
Barbarian F.C. ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1970 England 1
Rugby league career
Playing information
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
Rochdale Hornets

Early life

edit

Mike Leadbetter was born on 25 July 1946 in Southport.[1] He attended Ladybarn, a local secondary modern school, and left in 1961 aged 15, without qualifications. After a few years he began his first career in printing and followed this through a series apprenticeships leading to a diploma in management and print technology from Manchester College of Art and Design.[2]

Rugby career

edit

Leadbetter played his club rugby for Broughton Park, and made his international début on 18 April 1970 at Colombes in the France vs England match.[1] Along with Broughton Park team mate Tony Neary, he was also part of a famous North West Counties team which defeated the All Blacks, 16-14, in Workington in 1972.[3]

Described as a giant of a man, he also played 35 times for Lancashire. Leadbetter subsequently switched to rugby league[1] going to Rochdale Hornets.[4]

References

edit