Former England and British & Irish Lions again David Duckham has died on the age of 76.
Duckham made his worldwide debut in opposition to Eire in 1969 and received 36 England caps, with the final of these in opposition to Scotland in 1976.
He performed at wing and centre and was a part of the victorious 1971 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.
Duckham completed the tour with 11 tries in 17 appearances, with six coming in a midweek sport in opposition to West Coast/Buller.
“All on the Rugby Soccer Union are saddened to be taught of the demise of David Duckham MBE,” stated an announcement from England Rugby.
“Duckham performed 36 instances for England, scoring 10 tries, and was additionally a part of the revered Lions squad of 1971 that defeated New Zealand. Our ideas are along with his household and mates.”
RFU president Nigel Gillingham added: “David Duckham was not solely one of many best and most gifted of English gamers, but additionally a participant so drastically admired world wide.”
The previous Coventry participant was a part of the Barbarians aspect that earned a 23-11 victory over the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park in 1973, with one famed counter-attacking run serving to to earn Duckham the nickname ‘Dai’ from Welsh followers.
“Coventry Rugby is extremely unhappy to be taught of the information that David Duckham, ex-Coventry, England and British and Irish Lions participant, has died, aged 76,” learn an announcement from his former membership.
“Donned as arguably the ‘best’ ever Coventry participant, our ideas exit to David’s household at this tough time.
“The membership will exhibit a minute’s silence previous to kick-off at this Saturday’s match in opposition to Jersey and shall be seeking to organise a celebration of life for David, topic to conversations with the household. Relaxation in peace, David.”
Duckham made his England debut at centre alongside John Spencer.
“It was an honour to be David’s accomplice on the pitch,” stated Spencer.
“He was one of many best ever gamers with ball in hand and a pivotal a part of the Lions success in 1971, the one Lions tour that ever received in New Zealand.
“He was extensively revered by gamers world wide and was a delicate, type man, with a terrific sense of humour. David shall be vastly missed by all who knew him.”
The Lions known as Duckham a rugby union “legend” and stated, “he shall be drastically missed, all of our ideas are along with his household and mates.”
