David Duckham - England's greatest ever rugby player

[@f0urstr1ng]

I am here upon hearing of the sad passing of DD. A seriously gifted player unfortunately born into an era of Welsh mastery and English doldrums. Shone for the Lions and earned massive respect outside England, particularly by those Welsh fans who nicknamed him 'Dai'. Praise indeed. Rest well xx

[@markjones464]

It was a wonderful time , where people like yourself could offer Praise for the opposition , we enjoyed the Game of Rugby 🏉 and what a player he was Enjoyed by everyone , and Nation , and It also a time where people of all Nationally would write a nice comment With out having your head snapped of If you appreciate that style of game it Means you lived in that time , I loved the 70 , and 80 ,

[@jonathanjames3453]

It is because of David Duckham that I have watched rugby for the last 45 years and more.

[@chrismoule7242]

This.

[@BornLate56]

Not only a great player, but also a great human being. In the early seventies, as a teenage schoolboy, I used to go to watch the Stanley's match every Autumn at Iffley Road. In those days, there was no stand on the river side of the ground, and all the youngsters stood (literally) on the side of pitch - right up to the touchline. During one match, I was right on the touchline, and Mr Duckham was either tackled or simply ran out of room, and as a result, I was trampled! Flat on the deck I lay there, winded. A huge hand appeared, scooped me up, stood my on my feet, and Mr Duckham enquired, "Are you alright, lad?" Unable to speak, I just nodded. The huge hand patted me on the head, and he smiled and said, "Well done!" And off he went, back to the game. A real gentleman!

[@markjones464]

What a Great memory , thanks for sharing That comment with us , it was if I was standing beside you ! ( or more like Flatten Like yourself ) Cheers 🍻

[@robertedwards3551]

Dai Duckam, I loved watching him as a boy and tried to copy how he played and in Wales at that time this wasn't a problem since he was held in such high esteem by all Welshmen.

[@John2E0GTU]

The flowing hair made him immediately recognisable.

[@HuwRoberts]

That great side step and the dummy by DD in that famous ‘ 73 Barbarians game where he he also managed to lose the camera man in the process! Pure genius. As a devoted Welsh rugby fan from that era I can’t but think this man should have been born West of the Severn bridge. Such an entertainer. Sleep well “Dai Duckham”.

[@twmlloyd5257]

Spot on

[@only1utdanditsleeds]

That dummy still gives me goosebumps every time I see it. The commentary, the crowd, and losing the cameraman is only second in my list to the drop kick in 2003

[@nialloneill5097]

Agree...how he would have excelled in the Welsh team of that time...but then the English did not get Giggs when they needed a left wing...sweet and bitter ironies...but at least we saw Dai play with the boyos for the Baa Baas... and what a game that 73 match was...I remember sitting down to watch it in our front room as a 13 yr old lad...surprised that so few seemed to attune to the great game...a lot more do so now...and that game would have entered the rooms and hearts of millions of folk these days...either way...I enjoyed it immensely...and through You Tube...still do!

[@riverwolf654]

Hello from Ireland....David Duckham was absolutely beautiful to watch running with the ball.

[@gj6470]

As a kid growing up in Wales in the seventies I can confirm that David Duckham was revered here. We had Gerald Davies John Bevan JJ Williams some of our greatest ever wingers. David Duckham was just as good. A shame he missed the 1974 Lions tour as I'm sure he would have made a huge impact. Nice bloke too by all accounts. Sad for all rugby fans to hear of his passing.

[@twmlloyd5257]

We definitely loved Dai

[@x4dd]

It is with a heavy heart I find myself here watching the amazing Rugby player David Duckham. I was 9 years old when my Dad took me to Coundon Road for the first time. He worked on the turnstiles, I got free entrance ! David Duckham was an absolute Master of the game, his skills have only probably been matched by a few since. As a Coventry kid standing there watching the game, DD inspired me to play. I went to Finham Park School, rugby was very much a played sport and I managed to get my self in the team as a forward. I also played for Coventry Schools and to that end I will always thank DD for inspiring me to pick up that odd shape ball and run with it. A life long lover of Union. Goodnight David, sleep tight, God bless you and thank you. DJL

[@jon780249]

What a player he was.

[@711honved]

A strong, powerful, elusive player with pace & a killer sidestep. Blonde hair flowing as he hit full speed. RIP Maestro!

[@jeffhunt2475]

RIP. The most elegant runner in world rugby. Always electrifying to see those amazing clips. A true talent.❤

[@alungranville7289]

The modern game needs players who can run with the ball in hand like David Duckham.

[@Kevin-lf4xx]

What a great player David was . From an Irish rugby supporter.

[@twmlloyd5257]

Fantastic player, RIP Dai from a welsh man

[@davidstacey4950]

One of the true great rugby players!

[@mattybeattie5273]

He was Instrumental in bringing England to Dublin to play during the troubles - when Scotland and Wales refused to play. Hero.

[@billbonnington7916]

He was, WJM was fulsome in his praise of DD for his efforts in getting that match played. John Pullin, England Captain at the time, said in the aftermatch that "We're not very good, but we're here!"

[@user-gq2tg6mg2w]

A great, great player (from a bloke from the Rhondda Valley).

[@pauldurkee4764]

What sad news to hear that David Duckham has passed away. What a fabulous player he was, the way he left those New Zealanders sprawling on the floor with that acceleration and sidestep in the 73 baa baas match, that really was something. God be with you David. 🙏

[@jdkdar0902]

His 6 tries against Buller/West Coast combined on the 1971 Lions tour was something truly special.Being a Buller lad I was heartbroken at the time but as the years went on I realised just how amazing a rugby player he was RIP

[@pauldurkee4764]

@@garyduncanson2078 We are losing these men rapidly now, at least we have them on film to enjoy, and marvel attached a time when rugby was was more entertaining. Many people say he was part of the greatest backline ever to leave these shores in 1971, to think he replaced John Bevan in the tests, and Bevan couldn't get back into the test team.

[@jeremypike2922]

We shall not look upon his like again....RIP Maestro.

[@zworm2]

Another magnificent player!

[@markhamer7220]

Absolutely one of the very best backs England have produced. He had it all and more.

[@Bluejohn]

To watch him running with the ball was poetry in motion. I still get goose bumps when I watch 'that' game in 73 against the All Blacks.

[@frostysfreeway2320]

Rip David and thanks for all the wonderful memories. You would have been a great player in any era, such were your instinctive and physical attributes

[@kelvinlewis4065]

Great player .Brilliant finisher ........R.I.P. .(Welsh fan )

[@jimmypostlethwaite]

remember watching him with my dad , what player , what a gentleman . RIP David . Jimmy Liverpool

[@John-ny2vw]

Absolute legend , the Welsh called him Dai Ducham. RIP.

[@MartinJG100]

Such an unusual yet elegant talent with that deceptive long striding and languid gate. When it was his day there were times when he would mesmerise the opposition with that killer sidestep. Legend that was never quite fulfilled at a time when English rugby struggled.

[@seanharrington730]

You'd pay good money to watch him, RIP maestro

[@kingcurry6594]

In an age when England had few players with real flair, he stood out as something completely special. Whenever he got the ball, there was a feeling in the crowd that he could do something magical, and he often did. RIP DD.

[@stuieburkin6164]

Not only great to watch as an inspiring back in the 70s, pure genius indeed, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting David on many occasions since, a truly wonderful man who we shall all miss greatly.

[@robbleackley1619]

Back in 1971 I was 8 years old and playing rugby in New Zealand when the Lions toured. They paraded around Palmerston North sitting up on the backs of beach buggies and I got to walk alongside David Duckham. He was a hell of a nice guy and it was a memorable day for me, may he R.I.P..... as a side note 2 buggies down from us a kid tripped up and had his arm run over by the back wheel, that was the end of his season

[@Mike20216]

He was a great player, and is still one of the greatest players England have ever produced,

[@briannewman6306]

The great David Duckham. The best I saw and an honour to have been a spectator.

[@timsimshurst]

I was a winger a long time ago ...love to watch the backs score tries and love to see the ball run rather than kicked .....so David Duckham's tries were special

[@firmfoundation7421]

Amazing talent. I wouldn't say he was England's greatest ever. So much talent coming out of the Isles. Much love and respect from NZ.

[@quintotoro]

From Argentina: I agree! DD the best, now RIP. GOD BLESS YOU DAVID.

[@keithfowler2013]

RIP to a legend of my youth. God bless you.

[@richard6440]

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.

[@kyleharrington2646]

Wonderful fluid footballer he was born with this come off either foot at real pace impossible to defend. He was a joy to watch and any serious rugby fan irrespective of allegiance would enjoy paying to watch. Self deprecating, modest a genius of a footballer and as a Welshman he is the equal of any and include Barry John

[@martynstephenson3262]

Good player but the best has to be Jason Robinson

[@Patrick8804]

@@martynstephenson3262 Jason Robinson is without any hesitation my number 2.

[@ianmarsden1130]

@@Patrick8804 I have watched rugby for 50 odd years, played for 35 and IMHO Jason was the best winger I ever saw in both codes. (Lomu is close but Billy Whizz didn't have his physical advantages). However as a runner David Duckham was sublime. BTW my dad tells me that Brian Bevan was the best of all time.

[@erneststanley6616]

@@ianmarsden1130I stand to be corrected but i think Brian Bevan was Australian, a magical and great player nonetheless.

[@kentimmins9171]

Never saw him play...but what I see online ...sheer power,pace sidesteps...everything!!👏

[@pauldavies4496]

he was, without doubt, a joy to watch and his skill is legendary.

[@samstainer6322]

Would walk into any modern international team, strong, powerful superb hands, electrifying sidestep off either foot, great pace and rugby brain. Had he been Welsh would had been a permanent fixture in the magic 70's teams for ten years either at outside centre or wing. The most underrated and ill used English player of all time. Off the field such a kind and generous man.

[@Patrick8804]

That's pretty much why I titled the upload 'England's Greatest Ever Rugby Player'. Just one man's humble opinion, of course.

[@Loosehead]

Agreed, but ill-used? How about Keith Fielding, or David Harriman if you want to talk ill-used.

[@Patrick8804]

@@Loosehead Steffon Armitage?

[@Mike20216]

Outside centre for wales is a good call, although fenwick was a great centre, but there’s no way he would have replaced Gerald or JJ on the wing, and I’m a massive duckham fan

[@Loosehead]

@@Mike20216 John Bevan?

[@andyambrose4517]

My goodness, he was quick....

[@fruitychink]

Great player without doubt .....balance and handling impeccable but pace , side step and acceleration raises him to an unassailable level

[@Loosehead]

And eye for a gap.

[@michelhalliman9791]

Not sure I would call him " greatest ever", but he was fabulous to watch and what pace and talent

[@iandavies6368]

Has. A Welshman I have always rated DD has a great player, and one of the best English players of all time.

[@itonywilliams6800]

In the professional era he would have been even better.....superb player and genuine unassuming gentleman

[@Patrick8804]

Great comment. That's why I don't agree when people - even rugby experts - say that teams of yesteryear would get beaten by 100 points if they played the teams of today. Image if they had the same training and diet programs of today, guys like Michael Jones and even Colin Meads would be elevated to a whole new level.

[@Loosehead]

@@Patrick8804 Meads wasn't tall enough for second row nowadays. Good No. 8 though.

[@Patrick8804]

@@Loosehead valid point

[@roderickherbert7233]

tTHE WELSH BOYOS HAD GREAT RESPECT FOR THIS ENGLISH PLAYER, WHO WAS OUT STANDING WITH THE BALL IN HAND....HE WAS KNOWN AS DIA OR IS IT DAI....

[@twmlloyd5257]

We loved Dai,

[@neilthompson8668]

There is a scene in Chariots of Fire where a hurdler places a glass of champagne on every hurdle looking for perfection by not spilling a drop. DD could run with a glass of champagne on his head and nor spill any.

[@gwynfrynevans6467]

This is what makes a nonsense of all those articles we read by someone or other - let’s call them A. N. Other, which is a real blast from the past - who chose ‘the best player ever’ only ever including anyone who was a contemporary or later. David Duckham had a real claim to be one of the best ever. The styles of players are so stark that it is almost possible to tell a player’s Nationality and Duckham was the epitome of an English style player.

[@nickpilgrim1966]

Truly our greatest player. The only one who'd have got into the great Welsh sides of his era. And he could star with them for the Lions and BaBas and show his class.

[@Patrick8804]

He was born to be a star.

[@colonisedtartan9539]

Read what you sent ..your best player you say as in pride but you insult the rest of England rugby ..by saying he'd get into the Wales.. and no one else.....no English man would talk like that ... how dare you comment on rugby like that ....by the way dai... could play rugby ...but he was so disliked by other players from all home nations .....he wasn't picked 1971 or 1974

[@nickpilgrim1966]

@@colonisedtartan9539 1970s? Who were the other great English players at that time? That was the era of Edwards, Bennett, JPR, Gerald Davis...

[@Joyxeu]

RIP 🕊️

[@leedavis6000]

A great player from a Welshman.

[@kimholland9316]

A great player. A joy to watch

[@patrickmurray8304]

take your word for it

[@cestrian5294]

I always wanted to be David Duckham when I played but was hampered by lack of pace and talent.

[@chrismattravers5434]

Played at a time when England were poor and perhaps never got the plaudits and credit he might have had. Showed for the Lions and the Baa Baas what a great player he was!

[@lynfordmorris1279]

Great player

[@wobblertv8083]

Best Dummy of all time in the 73 epic v the All blacks 😊

[@baynesstreetblues]

Vale to David. You gave me enormous pleasure watching you play at Twickenham during the 1970s. You’ll be able to have a noggin or twain with the other great winger of the times, Gerald Davies, up there in cloud land.

[@Bopsterboy]

Gerald Davies is very much still alive.

[@baynesstreetblues]

@@Bopsterboy Apologies - you’re correct.

[@Bobtheguilder]

I love watching old clips when defending was an optional extra. He was trully an elegant mover. However theres no sibn of a blitz defence!😮

[@Patrick8804]

I remember watching an AB vs Aussie game back in 2000 with an old Canadian buddy of mine. He said he liked what he saw except for the poor defence. I asked what do you mean? And he said no team has a blitz defence!!

[@chelsea11649]

What a creative rugby genius. England could do with him now.

[@grandslam1998]

RIP

[@billbonnington7916]

best ever? no, but a delight to watch, balance and pace

[@admiralbenbow5083]

0.56 He had the tight head prop out on his right. If he had cut in left to draw the defence and given the ball to the prop he most likely would have scored, but this was English rugby, you didnt pass to props, or even back row forwards at any level, much to my irritation at school. The only thing that kept me in the sport was that I had the tremendous good fortune to be playing for the juniors at London Welsh at this time. Otherwise I would have quit.

[@samuelspoons3553]

He should of went North as he be legend in Rugby League.

[@jasonjones3126]

He would have been greater playing for Wales

[@richardbrookes3075]

Yes he may have had pretty hair, but he did not attend a public school

[@andystoker6961]

He attended King Henry VIII School - now an independent school and I'm guessing it was a Direct Grant school in Duckham's day ... floppy haired enough to think it was / is a public school (member of HM Conference)

[@richardbrookes3075]

@@andystoker6961 it was an independent school at that time, but many paid no fees and were there by merit, not really a public school just a very high grade Grammar School. Anyhow a superb player irrespective of his hair or his non public school education.

[@Joyxeu]

I’m m his grandson

[@seanharrington730]

Genius, we are lucky to have seen him grace the rugby field

[@sharp2684]

Yes a great player but ten tries in 36 tests is a tragedy for one of the greats and a terrible indictment on how the poms play rugby and is highlighted by the fact that only one N.H side has ever won a world cup since its inception despite constantly belittling S.H rugby. Kick and clap thats the N.H game in a nutshell !

[@mrfrisky2997]

Ellery Hanley all day long.

[@maelughran6981]

Derek Wyatt was better, but Duckham had prettier hair, and had been to public school......

[@ldfreitas9437]

Sad he dies just weeks before the 50th anniversary of that great match, Barbarians V New Zealand.

[@fredlenz4743]

First name that comes to mind, David Duckham will grace that title for all time.