Dick Conway (rugby union)

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.[1] In 1960 he had a finger amputated so he could take part in a tour of South Africa.[2]

Early life

Richard James Conway was born on 22 April 1935 in Whakatane, New Zealand.[1]

Provincial career

Conway played 72 games for Bay of Plenty from 1962 to 1968.[3]

International career

Conway debuted for the All Blacks in 1959, playing the second test against the touring lions.[4] 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.[5][6]

A persistent finger injury incurred from playing as a softball catcher put Conway's 1960 tour of South Africa in doubt.[4] 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.[7] 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.[8] That was his last game for the All Blacks, although he did play in a "The Rest" team against them the next year.[9]

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.[4]

References
  1. Dick Conway | Rugby Union | Players and Officials | ESPN Scrum
  2. Danger of ignoring hard knocks of the game - Sport - NZ Herald News
  3. Big honour to be picked, says Reid | Bay of Plenty Times
  4. The great All Black comebacks - Sport - NZ Herald News
  5. At the time a try was worth three points, the same as a penalty. The final score of 18-17 was composed of six penalties for New Zealand to four tries (12 points), one conversion (2 points) and a penalty (3 points) to the Lions. A try is now worth five points.
  6. New Zealand rugby's saddest victory | Live Rugby Rewind to | ESPN Scrum
  7. Miracle recovery for Waratah Phil Waugh | Stuff.co.nz
  8. David Leggat: Gillespie among the great comebacks - Sport - NZ Herald News
  9. Keith Quinn: ABs v 'The Rest' offers best test - All Blacks News | TVNZ
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