Career
An England international representative loose forward, he previously played for Whitehaven and Harlequins. Purdham also operated as a stand-off, as a centre or in the second row. Purdham is a former captain of the England national team, although this was during the period that Great Britain was seen as the top-tier international team for English players.
Purdham started his career in his hometown with amateur side Egremont Rangers.
In 1999, he signed professional terms with Whitehaven in the Northern Ford Premiership. During his three years at the club, he went on to make 55 appearances.
(2002–2005)
Purdham joined in December 2001, following his selection for the England under-21 tour of South Africa and an impressive start to the season with Whitehaven. He made his debut for the Broncos in a Challenge Cup game against Batley Bulldogs.
Harlequins RL (2006–2011)
On 20 May 2006, Rob set a new Quins club record by scoring 34 points (2 tries, 13 goals) in Harlequins Rugby League"s 82–8 defeat of Barrow Raiders in the Challenge Cup.
The 13 goals in itself surpassed the previous record of 12 held by Paul Sykes. In 2007, he was appointed the club"s captain, replacing Mark McLinden. In July 2011, Purdham announced he would be leaving Harlequins at the end of the season, and returning home to the family farm in Cumbria.
He made a total of 197 appearances for the club, five games less than the club"s record appearance holder Steele Retchless.
Although he initially showed interest in re-signing with former club Whitehaven, he announced his retirement from playing altogether following medical advice. He played a total of 264 games during his professional career (252 appearances at club level, and 12 representative appearances).
In 2003, Purdham represented England A, appearing twice during the 2003 European Nations Cup. England coach Paul Cullen named Purdham as captain in his 20-man training squad for the 2006 Federation Shield tournament.
Purdham lifted the trophy with a 32–14 victory over Tonga.
In September 2008 he was named in the England training squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, and in October 2008 he was named in the final 24-man England squad, making two appearances in the tournament. Purdham also played twice for Cumbria. Junior Clubs: Egremont Rangers, Whitehaven
First Grade Stats: 246 career games scoring 46 tries
International Debut: 22 October 2006 against France.
