Purdy out to make his name overseas

AS many professional rugby players are discovering, the financial problems in the Premiership are making it tough to make a living and Henry Purdy is not excpetion, 

- BEN JAYCOCK

Purdy, 29, endured a frustrating campaign with Bristol Bears last term, making just seven appearances in all competitions at centre/wing, and is now looking for a move abroad, to France, America or Japan.

He said: “I just would have liked to play a bit more this year, Pat (Lam) seemed to get an idea in his head of what he wanted his XV to be and at times I didn’t get the opportunity that I would have liked but I kept grafting in training and trying to help the non23 where possible and I put my best foot forward, waiting for opportunities when they came.

“I had a couple of niggles with a concussion and a hamstring that halted momentum a little bit but it was good to be a part of the squad when we played well.”

Purdy is among several players released by Bristol at the end of the season as the club felt the force of the Premiership’s reduced salary cap.

Former Gloucester back Purdy played 48 times for Bristol and scored 12 tries since joining the club in 2019 and made memories for life during his four years with the Bears.