Martin Purdy (born 29 October 1981) is an English former rugby union player who played for London Welsh, Bath Rugby, and Wasps. Purdy's position of choice was at lock.[1]

Career

Purdy was born in Crawley, West Sussex and attended The Judd School in Tonbridge. Following his A-levels, Purdy accepted an offer to study at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, where he completed his undergraduate degree. However, Purdy also signed a part-time contract as an academy player for Premiership side Wasps, and combined his studies with training while at Cambridge.[2] Purdy gained a Blue at Twickenham in 2000, when he became the youngest forward to represent Cambridge in The Varsity Match in over a decade.[3]

Purdy signed a senior contract with Wasps in 2003 and made 51 appearances for them over the next 4 years. He played as a replacement when Wasps won both the 2003–04 Premiership Final and the 2004–05 Premiership Final.[4][5] He was also a replacement for the victorious 2004 Heineken Cup Final.[6] He then joined Bath Rugby.[2] After just a year at Bath, Purdy was signed by New Zealand side North Harbour in April 2008, alongside former Wasps team mate Dave Walder.[7] Purdy has also played for L'Aquila, in Italy.[citation needed]

In 2012 Purdy signed for London Welsh,[8] making 5 appearances for the club before leaving in 2013.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ Martin Purdy - Player Details - Sky Sports. Retrieved on 9 March 2009.
  2. ^ a b Purdy signs for Bath[permanent dead link] - Guinness Premiership News, 12 March 2007. Retrieved on 9 March 2009.
  3. ^ Lyles, Christopher (11 December 2000) - Dark Blues ready for lift-off - The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 9 March 2009.
  4. ^ "Wasps 10-6 Bath". BBC. 29 May 2004. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  5. ^ "Leicester 14-39 Wasps". BBC. 14 May 2005. Retrieved 6 February 2020.
  6. ^ "Wasps 27-20 Toulouse". BBC. 23 May 2004. Retrieved 7 February 2020.
  7. ^ Harbour secure top trio - Sky Sports, 2 April 2008. Retrieved 9 March 2009.
  8. ^ Where are they now - Martin Purdy Archived 2009-02-06 at the Wayback Machine - Inside the Locker Room, 15 December 2008. Retrieved 9 March 2009.
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