William McMachan McCombe (born 6 February 1949) is an Irish former international rugby union player.

Billy McCombe
Full nameWilliam McMachan McCombe
Date of birth (1949-02-06) 6 February 1949 (age 75)
UniversityTrinity College Dublin
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fly-half
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1968–75 Ireland 5 (32)

McCombe played his club rugby for Bangor and Dublin University.[1]

A fly-half known for his goal-kicking abilities, McCombe was aged 18 when called upon in 1968 to replace an injured Mike Gibson for a Five Nations match against France at Colombes, making him the youngest ever Ireland player in that position.[1] He kicked all of Ireland's points in a 6–16 loss, then didn't get another opportunity until 1975, when he displaced Mick Quinn in the Five Nations squad.[2] Finishing as the tournament's top points-scorer (26), McCombe registered the winning try in their opening match against England and contributed 13 points in a win over France.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Hill, Cameron (7 December 2018). "Billy the Kid: Trinity's teenage rugby prodigy and Ireland international". Trinity News.
  2. ^ "Quinn (kicked out by Billy) wants that cap back". Ireland's Saturday Night. 18 January 1975.
  3. ^ "Irish Snap Up England Gift". Sunday Post. 19 January 1975.
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