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John Novak (rugby union)

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John Novak
Full nameMichael John Novak
Date of birth (1947-09-27) 27 September 1947 (age 76)
Place of birthKineton, Warwickshire, England
Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1970 England 3 (3)

Michael John Novak (born 27 September 1947) is an English-born professor of periodontics and former rugby union international for England. He has been based in the United States since the 1980s.[1]

Novak was born in Kineton, Warwickshire, the son of a Czechoslovakian soldier stationed in the area. The family later settled in Eastbourne and he attended Eastbourne Grammar, breaking into the Sussex county side at age 19.[2]

A strongly built winger, Novak switched to Surrey after moving to London to study dentistry and played club rugby for local team Harlequins.[2] It was from Harlequins that he was called into the England side and he was capped three times during the 1970 Five Nations Championship.[3] He scored a try on debut against Wales at Twickenham Stadium.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Rechcigl Jr., Miloslav (10 November 2016). Encyclopedia of Bohemian and Czech-American Biography (3 ed.). ISBN 9781524619909.
  2. ^ a b Cherry, Rupert (12 March 1970). "Powerful Novak set for long England career". The Daily Telegraph.
  3. ^ "Strength is What Count in Rugby". The Guardian Journal. 21 March 1970.
  4. ^ "Novak has a dream debut for England". Evening Post. 28 February 1970.
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