The first of Mike’s 29 England caps came at Twickenham in 1960, when England won 14-6 against Wales and Malcolm Phillips was the other centre. Mike captained his country three times in 1963 playing in the southern hemisphere and twice at fly half in 1968. He also earned six British & Irish Lions caps on their 1962 and 1966 tours.

Having begun rugby at first Bow School and then Durham School, he was a legendary player for Durham County between 1961 and 1968, when they won the Northern Championship six times. He also played for the Barbarians and, after retiring, became an England selector, managing the team in the first Rugby World Cup in 1987.

Malcolm Phillips said: “Mike and I played alongside each other in the centre for England many times and against each other at county level. Later we were England selectors together.

He was a very fine player, fabulous teammate, absolute asset to English rugby and a great friend. He was a stalwart of Northern Rugby of which we were both a part.”