Australian Rugby Union is mourning the loss of Michael ‘Mick’ Purcell

Jan 6 • General News, International • 1565 Views • Comments Off on Australian Rugby Union is mourning the loss of Michael ‘Mick’ Purcell

Australian Rugby Union is mourning the loss of Wallaby 500 Michael ‘Mick’ Purcell who passed away yesterday at the age of 70.

A tall and robust backrower and lock forward, Purcell played for Queensland and the Wallabies during the 1960s, before retiring at the age of 21 with three Test caps.

ARU CEO, Bill Pulver passed on Australian Rugby’s condolences: “The Rugby community has lost a great Wallaby and our thoughts are with the Purcell family during this difficult time.

“Mick received Australian Rugby’s highest honour at a very young age, and will be remembered as one of the youngest ever Wallabies to retire from the game. In the three games he played in the gold jersey, he contributed to some history-making wins.”

Purcell learnt his rugby trade at St Columban’s College in Brisbane, where his love for running saw him start his rugby career as an inside back. When he moved to the rugby nursery of Nudgee College he was selected in the second row, where he would later be capped as a Wallaby.

In 1963 Purcell represented the Queensland Under 18s team in the number eight position and made his senior debut against New South Wales in Bathurst in 1965.

After joining Queensland for their inaugural tour of Fiji, Purcell was selected for the Wallabies Grand Tour to the UK, Ireland and France in 1966. On this tour, Purcell played a prominent role in Australia’s first victory over Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. Purcell played the next Test against Scotland which would be his last of the tour.

His final Test cap came the following year in Australia, when he represented the Wallabies in their game against Ireland.

Later that year, Purcell broke his wrist and decided to concentrate on finishing his law degree before moving into a practice. He commenced his legal career with Brisbane firm Walsh, Halligan and Douglas and became a senior partner. He later joined national legal firm HWL Ebsworth where he worked up until late 2015.

Mr Purcell is survived by his wife Marina, son Kieran and daughter Claire.