Biography
John Vivian Pullin was born on November 1, 1941, in Aust, Gloucestershire, England. He became one of the most iconic rugby union players of his time, known for his skill and leadership as a hooker. Throughout his career, he represented England on the international stage, captaining the national team, and also played a significant role with the British & Irish Lions and the Barbarians. His legacy is especially remembered for being part of historic victories against the All Blacks, South Africa, and Australia. Pullin passed away on February 5, 2021, at the age of 79, leaving behind an indelible mark on the sport of rugby.
Teams John Pullin Played For (Years):
- Bristol Rugby – Throughout his club career, Pullin was a stalwart for Bristol, a team that benefited from his tenacity and leadership.
- England National Rugby Union Team (1966-1976) – Pullin earned 42 caps for England, becoming one of the most influential players and captains in the team’s history.
- British & Irish Lions (1968, 1971) – He played seven matches for the Lions, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
- Barbarians – Represented the invitational side in key matches, including their famous win against the All Blacks.
International Appearances:
- 42 caps for England between 1966 and 1976
- 7 caps for the British & Irish Lions in tours to South Africa and New Zealand
Key Moments in John Pullin’s Career:
- 1968 Lions Tour to South Africa – Selected for his first British & Irish Lions tour, Pullin participated in three test matches against South Africa, solidifying his place as a top-level international hooker.
- 1971 Lions Victory in New Zealand – Pullin was part of the British & Irish Lions squad that famously defeated the All Blacks in New Zealand, a feat that would be repeated in his career.
- Historic Wins as England Captain:
- 1972 – Pullin captained England to an 18-9 victory over South Africa at Ellis Park, one of the most challenging venues in world rugby.
- 1973 – He led England to a 16-10 win against New Zealand in Auckland, marking the first time an England captain had triumphed over the All Blacks on their home turf.
- Victory Over Australia – In another notable achievement, England defeated Australia 20-3 under his captaincy.
- Barbarians vs. New Zealand (1973) – Pullin was part of the legendary Barbarians team that defeated the All Blacks 23-11, cementing his status as one of the few players to have beaten New Zealand with three different teams: England, the Lions, and the Barbarians.
- Five Nations 1972 and The Speech – During a tumultuous period known as The Troubles, Pullin led England to Ireland, despite other teams refusing to play. After a hard-fought loss, he humorously remarked, “We’re not much good, but at least we turned up.” This line has since become a famous part of rugby history, symbolizing his courage and sense of sportsmanship.
Conclusion:
John Pullin’s career stands as a testament to resilience, leadership, and excellence. Whether captaining England to historic victories or taking the field with the British Lions and Barbarians, he remains one of rugby’s all-time greats. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, continue to inspire future generations of players.