Neary played club rugby for Broughton Park. An open-side wing-forward whose international career ran from 1971 to 1980, his 43 appearances for the England team were a record (subsequently beaten) at the time of his retirement. He captained England in seven international matches between March 1975 and March 1976, played for the Barbarians, and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions - to South Africa in 1974 and New Zealand in 1977, playing one international. He was a member of the famous North team which beat the All Blacks at Otley on 17 November 1979. He was one of four Broughton Park players in this side and was joined by teammates Kevin O’Brien at full back, Tony Bond in the centre and Jim Sydall in the second row. Along with Broughton Park team mate Mike Leadbetter, he was also part of a famous North West Counties team which defeated the All Blacks, 16-14, in Workington in 1972.