Mike Leadbetter

Not to be confused with Mike Leadbitter.

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

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

Early life

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

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

  1. ^ a b c d Mike Leadbetter Profile on scrum.com
  2. ^ Obituary of Mike Leadbetter in the Guardian, Drew Clode, The Guardian, Friday 24 April 2009
  3. ^ NOWIRUL(E) TIMES ISSUE NO. 1 Archived 22 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Sporting memories from the Rochdale Observer 17 September 2004