Mike Leadbetter

Not to be confused with Mike Leadbitter.

Michael Maurice Leadbetter (1946–2009) was a rugby union international and rugby league player, who represented England in 1970.

Mike Leadbetter

Birth name	Michael Maurice Leadbetter
Date of birth	(1946-07-25)25 July 1946
Place of birth	Southport, England
Date of death	17 April 2009(2009-04-17) (aged 62)
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
School	Ladybarn
University	Manchester College of Art and Design Manchester University
Occupation(s)	Director of Social Services
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) – Broughton Park () – Lancashire () 1972 North West Counties () – Barbarian F.C. () International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1970 England 1
Rugby league career
Playing information
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P Rochdale Hornets

Early life

Mike Leadbetter was born on 25 July 1946 in Southport. He attended Ladybarn, a local secondary modern school, and left in 1961 aged 15, without qualifications. After a few years he began his first career in printing and followed this through a series apprenticeships leading to a diploma in management and print technology from Manchester College of Art and Design.

Rugby career

Leadbetter played his club rugby for Broughton Park, and made his international début on 18 April 1970 at Colombes in the France vs England match. Along with Broughton Park team mate Tony Neary, he was also part of a famous North West Counties team which defeated the All Blacks, 16-14, in Workington in 1972.

Described as a giant of a man, he also played 35 times for Lancashire. Leadbetter subsequently switched to rugby league going to Rochdale Hornets.