Infamous All Black Murdoch dies
Keith Murdoch, famously known as the only All Black to be sent home from a tour for indiscipline, died yesterday aged 74.
His sister confirmed the news of his death to Newshub, while his former Dunedin club, Zingaririchmond, flew their flag at half mast on Good Friday to acknowledge his passing.
Zingari-richmond chairman Stephen Baughan said one of their life members had heard the news from the family.
Murdoch, a big, burly prop, played three tests and 21 matches for the All Blacks between 1970-72, and had a distinguished provincial career for Otago between 1964-72, though he played one season for Hawke’s Bay (1965) and one for Auckland (1966).
But he was widely known for being sent home from the 1972 All Blacks tour to the UK, and then disappearing into the Australian outback, rarely to be seen again.
Baughan said it was his understanding Murdoch had died in Australia.
His brother, Bruce, said he had no comment to make when contacted yesterday.
Murdoch’s life story since that fateful tour was essentially a mystery.
In December 1972, hours after scoring the winning try in a 19-16 victory over Wales in Cardiff, Murdoch turned up to the Angel Hotel after hours.
When refused entry to the closed bar, Murdoch punched security guard Peter Grant, knocking him to the ground.
Days later, Murdoch was sent home from the tour by All Blacks management, and was never seen on a rugby field again. He disappeared into the Australian outback and was only sighted a handful of times after 1972.