Robert Burdell (1 February 1939 – 15 May 2013) was an English rugby union and rugby league footballer. Born in Southport, Burdell began his career as a rugby union player with his hometown club Southport RFC before switching to rugby league in 1960. He went to play as a hooker for Liverpool City, St. Helens, Salford and Wigan, and also appeared for Lancashire at representative level.

Bob Burdell
Personal information
Full nameRobert B. Burdell
Born1 February 1939
Southport, Lancashire, England
Died15 May 2013(2013-05-15) (aged 74)[1]
Spain
Playing information
Rugby union
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
Southport RFC
Rugby league
PositionHooker
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1960–63 Liverpool City
1963–65 St. Helens 24 1 0 3
1965–70 Salford 115 6 1 20
1970–72 Wigan 34 1 0 3
Total 173 8 1 0 26
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1967–68 Lancashire 3
Source: [2][3][4]

Early life and rugby union career

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Burdell was born on 1 February 1939 and grew up with his two brothers in Birkdale, Southport. He attended King George V Grammar School, where he was first introduced to rugby union. He went on to play for Southport RFC, becoming the youngest ever player to be picked for the first team.[1]

Rugby league career

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In the 1960s, Burdell switched codes to rugby league, and played for several clubs, including Liverpool City, St. Helens, Salford and Wigan.

Burdell played for Wigan in the 1970 Challenge Cup final, which Wigan lost 2–7 against Castleford.[5]

Death

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After falling ill earlier in the year, Burdell died on 15 May 2013 in Spain, aged 74.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Duffy, Tom (13 June 2013). "Tributes to Birkdale's rugby playing dad Robert Burdell". Southport Visiter. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  2. ^ Service, Alex. "Bob Burdell". Saints Heritage Society. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  3. ^ Platt, Darrell (1991). A History of Salford Rugby League Club. Salford Rugby League Club.
  4. ^ "Bob Burdell". cherryandwhite.co.uk. RLFANS.com. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
  5. ^ "9th May 1970: Castleford 7 Wigan 2 (Challenge Cup Final)". cherryandwhite.co.uk. RLFANS.com. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
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