Keith Murdoch (rugby union)

Keith Murdoch (born Dunedin, September 9, 1943) is a rugby union footballer from New Zealand.

Murdoch, a prop, played for Otago from 1964 to 1972, except for one season each for Hawke's Bay (1965) and Auckland (1966). He represented New Zealand from 1970-1972, playing in 27 matches for the All Blacks, including three test matches. He toured with the All Blacks to South Africa in 1970 and the British Isles in 1972, and also played against the British Lions in 1971, but was troubled by injury throughout all three series.

Murdoch's career ended controversially and mysteriously. He scored the All Blacks' only try in their 1972 win against Wales in Cardiff, but later the same night was involved in a fracas and was sent home from the tour by All Black management, reputedly after pressure was brought to bear by the home (British) rugby unions. Rather than returning to rugby in New Zealand, Murdoch virtually went into hiding, quitting his home and his sport and moving to the Australian outback where he has lived ever since.

External links

• New Zealand Herald article
• All Black player profile