SPORTSMAN OF THE MONTH: William James McBride

William James McBride

William James McBride was a famous Rugby football player. He was born on June 6, 1940 in Toomebridge, County Antrim, Nothern Ireland. He played 63 times test, eleven as captain of Ireland’s team.

His team beat The Springboks (South Africa), Australia and New Zealand in their own country. The Springboks was the first team which they beat and that was in 1965.

The 1974 British and Irish Lions Tour of South Africa

On Saturday 15 March 1975, William James McBride ended his international career after his last match against Wales. Then he retired and become coach for Irish team. He also managed the 1983 Lions tour to New Zealand. He lives in Ballyclare.

 In 2004 he was named in Rugby World magazine as "Heineken Rugby Personality of the Century"