Date joined 1959 (New Zealand national rugby union team) | ||
Richard James Conway (known as Dick "Red" Conway) is a New Zealand rugby union player. He played ten tests for the New Zealand All Blacks between 1959 and 1965 at number 8. In 1960 he had a finger amputated so he could take part in a tour of South Africa.
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Early life
Richard James Conway was born on April 22, 1935 in Whakatane, New Zealand.
Provincial career
Conway played 72 games for Bay of Plenty from 1962 to 1968.
International career
Conway debuted for the All Blacks in 1959, playing the second test against the touring lions. The first test had resulted in a New Zealand win, but was described as "New Zealand's saddest victory" by the press due to the Lions outscoring the home team four tries to none.
A persistent finger injury incurred from playing as a softball catcher put Conway's 1960 tour of South Africa in doubt. The damage occurred to his third finger on his right hand after it was broken while trying to catch a foul ball. After the break mended the finger retained a kink and he was told by a specialist that if he kept playing rugby the finger would keep breaking. To keep his spot on the tour Conway decided to amputate the finger after the final selection trial. He was not selected for the All Blacks for five years following the tour until 1965, when he was recalled for four tests against South Africa. He played an important role in securing a 3-1 series victory. That was his last game for the All Blacks, although he did play in a "The Rest" team against them the next year.
Playing style
Conway was small for a loose forward, standing at 1.75m and weighing only 85 kg. He was known as a dynamic tackler.