John Pullin, 1941 - 2021
England Rugby legend, John Pullin, has died at the age of 79.
One of the most able hookers of his day, he was awarded 42 England caps between 1966 and 1976, the most for a hooker at that time, and seven for the British & Irish Lions.
He captained England in victories against New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, another first. With characteristic wry humour he famously said after captaining England in their 18-9 defeat in Ireland, when other teams would not play there during the Troubles: "We're not much good but at least we turned up."
A West Country farmer, he was one of Bristol’s most accomplished players.
Said fellow England hooker and former England team dentist, Bill Treadwell: “John was part of an outstanding Bristol team who won most of their games and a tremendously strong opponent. He was quiet off the pitch but a great motivator who commanded respect on it, which was why he captained England and led the players to southern hemisphere victories. He will be greatly missed by the game.”
