Liam Botham

Liam James Botham (born 26 August 1977 in Doncaster) is a former rugby player who played rugby union and later rugby league. He is the son of English Test cricketer Ian Botham.

Related Topics:
26 August - 1977 - Doncaster - Rugby - Rugby union - Rugby league - English - Test - Cricket - Ian Botham

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Liam initially followed in his father's footsteps, playing county cricket for Hampshire. He took the wicket of former England captain Mike Gatting on his County Championship debut. However, he left the sport in 1997 after just one season to play rugby union for West Hartlepool. He made his debut for the England under-21 team the same year, before successive moves to Cardiff and Newcastle Falcons.

Related Topics:
Hampshire - Mike Gatting - 1997 - Rugby union - West Hartlepool - Cardiff - Newcastle Falcons

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While at Newcastle the club won the Tetley Bitter Cup and reached the final of the European Shield. In 2003 he switched sports again, signing for Super League club Leeds Rhinos. Although playing well for the Rhinos, the 2005 Superleague Champions, Botham signed for struggling Wigan towards the end of the season, feeling he couldn't get a regular place in the Rhinos team.

Related Topics:
Tetley Bitter Cup - European Shield - 2003 - Super League - Leeds Rhinos - Wigan

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In 2005 he announced his retirement aged 27 after a neck injury.

Related Topics:
2005 - Neck

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