Willie- John McBride

Willie John McBride grew up on a farm outside Belfast in Ireland his father died when he was young, leaving a young McBride to cope with his brothers  to manage the farm in his fathers absence.

    Willie John McBride :" My father passed away when I was 5, and my brothers and I were all called upon to take care of the farm, so there was little time for recreation. We had things under control later on - we'd obtained a tractor - and there was a bit more time for sports."

 Willie-John McBride didn't  start to think about playing sport until he was 17 years old. But he had a natural talent for any sport which would have made him a world class athlete for anything that he chose to do. He chose to follow a career in Rugby which showed his skills and devotion to the game. 

Back when McBride played Rugby, it was quite different from the game today. While the essence of the game is the same, the modern game's video cameras and sideline officials keep the punching, kicking, and head butting to a minimum. Back then, substitutions were allowed only when an injury forced a player off the field, and teams were permitted just two subs in a match. Toughness was as essential to a player's resume as speed, stamina, and strength. these things will always stay with this famous player because he was one of the best and one of the few that were so devoted to the game so much so that he still keeps a keen interest in today's Rugby hopefuls and stars.

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