Billy McCombe

William McMachan McCombe was an Irish international rugby union player.

Biography

McCombe played his club rugby for Bangor and Dublin [University Football Club|Dublin University].
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 national [rugby union team|Ireland] player in that position. 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. Finishing as the tournament's top points-scorer, McCombe registered the winning try in their opening match against England and contributed 13 points in a win over France.
McCombe died on 12 March 2025, at the age of 76.