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David Duckham, the famed England and Lions player, has died
By Liam Heagney
Championship club Coventry have paid tribute to David Duckham, their former England and British and Irish Lions player, who has died. The winger also featured in the famed 1973 win for the Barbarians over the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park, the match that featured the so-called greatest try of all-time scored by Gareth Edwards.
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A tweet read: “Coventry Rugby is incredibly sad to learn of the news that David Duckham – ex-Coventry, England and British and Irish Lions player – has died, aged 76. Donned as arguably the ‘greatest’ ever Coventry player, our thoughts go out to David’s family at this difficult time.
“The club will demonstrate a minute’s silence prior to kick-off at this Saturday’s match against Jersey and will be looking to organise a celebration of life for David, subject to conversations with the family. Rest in peace, David.”
The RFU tweeted: “All at the Rugby Football Union are saddened to learn of the death of David Duckham MBE. Duckham played 36 times for England, scoring ten tries, and was also part of the revered Lions squad of 1971 that defeated New Zealand. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Touted as one of the finest players to ever play for his country, Duckham played 36 games for England from 1969 to 1976, scoring ten tries.
David Duckham unleashed by @EnglandRugby is a sight to behold. #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/pdaY0qfqxk
— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) October 13, 2022
He debuted versus Ireland and formed a midfield partnership with John Spencer, but his side-stepping ability resulted in a switch to the wing and he went on to score eleven tries in 16 tour matches for the 1971 Lions in New Zealand.
He was also the only England back chosen by the Barbarians in their now 50-year-old victory over the All Blacks.
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