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Former All Black who demanded finger amputation for Springboks tour dies aged 87
By AAP
Richard "Red" Conway, a famously tough All Blacks back rower who ordered doctors to amputate a finger to ensure he didn't miss a tour to South Africa, has died. He was 87.
Conway's death was confirmed Friday by his family who said he "passed away peacefully" but did not specify a cause.
Known as Red for his bright ginger hair, Conway played 10 tests and 15 matches for the All Blacks between 1959 and 1965.
He also was a catcher in softball and it was in that role he first sprained, then broke the third finger of his right hand.
When the finger was set it had a kink and doctors warned Conway it would likely break again while playing rugby.
Between the All Black trial and the naming of the team to tour South Africa, Conway told doctors to amputate the finger.
They did and he was selected for the tour on which he played two Tests and 15 matches.
Former New Zealand rugby broadcaster Keith Quinn said Conway was one of the toughest All Blacks of all-time.
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Latest Comments
But he clearly did. One of the better players of the Autumn window, hell even Winter window if you can accept they still were good enough to win.
This is about improving the team even further, not doing something for Smith as you suggest.
Go to commentsYep, same problem that has happened with Australia. I'm hoping this decision is separate from the review. I don't really know how big the welsh union is but I would have thought a head coach could get heavily involved in what type of player and rugby they were going to encourage in the country.
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