- Date of Birth29 / 05 / 1912
- Died02 / 09 / 1992
- Lions Tours1938
- International CapsLions
- Lions Origin SchoolsRossall School
- Lions Origin ClubsCoventry
Griff Purchas was one of four uncapped Englishmen – along with William Gordon Howard, Stan Couchman and Gerald Thomas “Beef” Dancer – to travel to South Africa with The British & Irish Lions in 1938.
Coventry lock Purchas scored one try against North-East Districts, playing eight times for Major Bernard “Jock” Hartley’s 1938 Lions.
Ireland forward Sam Walker skippered the side as they won 17 of their 24 matches.