Siddhesh Joshi (Editor)

David Duckham

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Full name
  
David John Duckham MBE

Height
  
1.85 m

Role
  
Rugby player

Name
  
David Duckham

Weight
  
14 st 9 lb (93 kg)


David Duckham England rugby player David Duckham in action circa 1975


Date of birth
  
(1946-06-28) 28 June 1946 (age 69)

Place of birth
  
Education
  
King Henry VIII School, Coventry

David duckham introduction


David John Duckham MBE (born 28 June 1946) is a retired English rugby union player. He played 36 games for England from 1969 to 1976 and scored 10 tries. Duckham made his debut at centre, partnering John Spencer against Ireland in 1969.

Contents

David Duckham David DUCKHAM International Rugby Union Caps for England

David duckham


Career

David Duckham My Life in Rugby David Duckham England and Lions winger

Born in Coventry, Warwickshire, and educated at Coundon Infant and Junior School and King Henry VIII Grammar School, Duckham made his debut against Ireland in 1969 and quickly established himself as one of England's best centres, playing alongside John Spencer. His game was marked by pace, swerves, sidesteps and an ability to wrong-foot his opponents, although this came at a time when the English team were struggling, especially against rivals Wales.

David Duckham British amp Irish Lions 100 Who are the greatest wings

In the late 1960s and thereafter he was played on the wing for his country and in 1971 was part of the successful British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. Encouraged by coach Carwyn James, he found an attacking freedom that was lacking in the English game. He scored 11 tries in his 16 games on tour.

David Duckham Rugby legend David Duckham hails Pride of Coventry and Warwickshire

He was the only English back in the 1973 Barbarians side that beat the All Blacks 23–11 at Cardiff Arms Park. In the first half he made a run that has become part of rugby lore, that brought gasps and cheers from a Welsh crowd more accustomed to regarding him with hostility. When he broke through the All Black defence, he appeared to confuse the commentator, Cliff Morgan, who did not know whether Duckham had sidestepped or dummied. He even sent the cameraman the wrong way; his change of direction was such that the camera went to the right and Duckham disappeared out of shot to the left.

After the match he was given the nickname 'Dai' by the Welsh fans because he played like one of their own. Arguably his best performances in later years were overseas or for Coventry. He made his last appearance against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1976.

For his club, Coventry, he played 12 seasons from 1967 to 1979.

After retirement

For his services to rugby David was awarded the MBE. He has also written an autobiography called Dai for England.

Charitable work

He is an Honorary President of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland.

References

David Duckham Wikipedia