A LEGEND of the game who played for 50 seasons has left his last line out and stood firm in his final scrum.

Micky Purdy, aged 70, has played with Basildon Rugby Club, Gardiners Close, Basildon since the 1960s.

Micky started playing for the club as part of Dai Griffiths’ Basildon second team and, 50 seasons later, finished against the Kings Cross Steelers.

He has even lived with the lung condition, pulmonary hypertension, since February 2016 but refused to let it stop him playing the sport.

He said: “The game on Saturday was brilliant and very emotional for my family.

“We have had different family members play with the club, so it has always played a big part in our lives.

“I played in the back row in my preferred number eight position on the day.

“It was superb to see all the old faces and people I have played the game with over the years.

“Rugby has such a great atmosphere and you never lose your friends.

“The club kept an eye on me on the day and everyone kept making sure I was all okay during the match.

“I was diagnosed with the condition in May, but had been feeling unwell since February 2016, I have played in games now and again if and when I felt well enough.

“I had wonderful treatment and am now under the Papworth Trust.”

He said he was determined to keep fit and get back to the game and said it gave him a focus to get himself well enough to play again.

The condition is caused by an increased blood pressure within the arteries of the lungs and symptoms include shortness of breath.

He had the diagnosis from the Papworth Trust and procedures known as Right Heart Catheterisation, which involves tubes being inserted into the lungs to investigate the issue, he now takes regular medication to keep it at bay.

He now lives in St Lawrence but lived in Basildon for many years. The match was held on Saturday.

Ron Barnes, president of the club, said: “I have never known of anyone playing until this age, it is unique.

“He is a fantastic character and a great musician and actor. He is a great guy. The match was quite emotional and a lot of people came to the match including people he used to play rugby games with. We gave him a tremendous send off, it was superb.”