John Pullin
England and Lions rugby player BORN NOVEMBER 1, 1941 – DIED FEBRUARY 4, 2021, AGED 79
TO MANY rugby experts, John Pullin was England’s best ever hooker, a tireless workhorse who deserved his 42 caps, 13 as captain.
However, in Ireland he will be remembered for his brave stance in 1973 as the The Troubles spiralled out of control. Teams from both Scotland and Wales chose not to cross the Irish Sea the year before, but Pullin was determined the Five Nations game should go ahead although England lost. In a speech in Dublin after the game, he said: “We may not be very good, but at least we turned up.”
Earlier in the day, the England team were given armed protection at their hotel amid safety concerns.
However, they were given a rousing welcome at Lansdowne Road and the visit passed off peacefully.
Pullin would go on to lead England to victory against South Africa, New Zealand and Australia over a brilliant 18-month period. In Cardiff in the Barbarians victory
over the All Blacks, he was one of the seven players who, between them, carried the ball the length of the pitch to allow Gareth Edwards to score what is seen by many as the sport’s best every try.
Born into a farming family in Aust, Gloucestershire, Pullin studied at Cirencester’s Agricultural College and was a successful livestock farmer all his working life.
He made 298 appearances for Bristol and played 48 times for Gloucestershire. Local players described him as fearless, a leader who commanded respect.
In a Lions tour of New Zealand in 1971, the All Blacks were beaten on home turf. Sir Gareth Edwards described Pullin as an “unsung sporting hero”.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Brenda, and their son and two daughters.
“I don’t think that’s the lost sheet, though, The old Professor ought to know.”
The friends puzzle over the strange marks that have appeared. “Do you think that this is the piece of paper that the Professor lost?” asks Bill. Rupert shakes his head. “No, I don’t. The letters on it aren’t even in English, but I’ll take it and ask him if he can explain the mystery. In any case I promised the dwarf that I’d tell what happened when we swallowed those tablets.” So he gets his coat, stuffs the folded paper into his pocket and says goodbye to Bill.
© Express Newspapers 2020
“His dwarf,” says Rupert, “will be pleased To hear your heavy cold has eased.”