RUGBY UNION: Buoyant Purdy on top of the world
10:00am Wednesday 26th June 2013 in Sport
By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456
Henry Purdy scores one of his two tries against USA
HENRY Purdy completed a dream season by winning the Junior World Championship with England Under 20s.
The 19-year-old Leicester Tigers player, from Milton-under-Wychwood, helped En-gland defeat Wales 23-15 in Sunday’s final at Stade de la Rabine in Vannes, France.
Purdy came on at centre in a pulsating match that saw England recover from 15-3 down to win.
“I am absolutely delighted,†he said. “It was an amazing experience.
“Going to the world cup was a dream of mine, so to fulfil it was a bit surreal.
“Then to win it was even better.â€
Former Chipping Norton junior and Cokethorpe School pupil Purdy joined Leicester last summer after London Wasps did not offer him a contract.
Since then, he made his first team debut in the LV= Cup, earned an England Under 20 Six Nations call-up and was drafted into their Junior World Championship squad.
Purdy scored three tries during the tournament – two on a start against USA and one against South Africa.
He said: “When I was called up, I just wanted to play as big a role as I could and help the team.
“I played some minutes in every single game.
“I started against USA and came off the bench in all the others.
“It was just an incredible experience.
“I could not have wished for it to be any better.
“It has been an incredible journey, to end the season with a world cup winner’s medal is absolutely amazing.â€
England had to bounce back after losing 31-24 to South Africa in their second group match, but reached the final after an epic 33-21 victory over New Zealand.
“We knew we could do it,†said Purdy.
“There was a lot of frustration after the South Africa game because we knew we had the capability to beat them.
“We picked ourselves up and really pushed on.
“The belief was just amazing. It was fantastic to be part of it.â€
Purdy will now have some time off before starting pre-season with Leicester on July 10.
“I want to try and be as ambitious as possible and do the best I can.
“The main target would be a few first-team appearances and to do well in the A League.
“I will also have another year at under 20 level and we are certainly looking to defend our title.â€
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Article source: http://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/detas/2013/jun/26/enjoy-queensland-maroons-vs-new-south-wa/
RUGBY UNION: Buoyant Purdy on top of the world
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