David Duckham: Former England and British & Irish Lions back dies aged 76

Duckham starred during the Lions circuit to New Zealand successful 1971

Former England and British & Irish Lions backmost David Duckham has died astatine the property of 76.

He played astatine helping and centre and was portion of the victorious 1971 British & Irish Lions circuit to New Zealand.

Duckham finished the circuit with 11 tries successful 17 appearances, with six coming successful a midweek crippled against West Coast/Buller.

"All astatine the Rugby Football Union are saddened to larn of the decease of David Duckham MBE," said a connection from England Rugby.

"Duckham played 36 times for England, scoring 10 tries, and was besides portion of the revered Lions squad of 1971 that defeated New Zealand. Our thoughts are with his household and friends."

RFU president Nigel Gillingham added: "David Duckham was not lone 1 of the top and astir talented of English players, but besides a subordinate truthful greatly admired astir the world."

The erstwhile Coventry subordinate was portion of the Barbarians broadside that earned a 23-11 triumph implicit the All Blacks astatine Cardiff Arms Park successful 1973, with 1 famed counter-attacking tally helping to gain Duckham the nickname 'Dai' from Welsh fans.

"Coventry Rugby is incredibly bittersweet to larn of the quality that David Duckham, ex-Coventry, England and British and Irish Lions player, has died, aged 76," work a connection from his erstwhile club.

"Donned arsenic arguably the 'greatest' ever Coventry player, our thoughts spell retired to David's household astatine this hard time.

"The nine volition show a minute's soundlessness anterior to kick-off astatine this Saturday's lucifer against Jersey and volition beryllium looking to organise a solemnisation of beingness for David, taxable to conversations with the family. Rest successful peace, David."

Duckham made his England debut astatine centre alongside John Spencer.

"It was an honour to beryllium David's spouse connected the pitch," said Spencer.

"He was 1 of the top ever players with shot successful manus and a pivotal portion of the Lions occurrence successful 1971, the lone Lions circuit that ever won successful New Zealand.

"He was wide respected by players astir the satellite and was a gentle, benignant man, with a large consciousness of humour. David volition beryllium hugely missed by each who knew him."