Former All Black Keith Murdoch, who was banished from the 1972 tour after punching a security guard in Cardiff, has died aged 74.
Keith Murdoch during his time as an All Black (date unknown). Photo: Photosport
Zingari Richmond Rugby club chairman Stephen Baughan said the club was told by Murdoch's brother this morning.
Murdoch played for the Otago-based club for many years.
The club flew its flag at half-mast this afternoon, as a sign of respect.
Keith Murdoch lived for many years in a remote part of the Northern Territory.
Former All Black Joe Karam has spoken about the unfair treatment of his team mate.
Mr Karam played with Mr Murdoch in the 1972 to 1973 tour during which Mr Murdoch was sent home after a fight with a security guard in Wales.
Mr Karam said the decision to send him home was grossly unfair.
"The guy picked the fight with Keith, Keith wasn't going around trying to pick a fight. Because Keith had a reputation as a strong, hard man - which he was - this security guard nudged Keith and he picked a fight with him and came off second best.
"I was quite fond of Keith and quite close to him. I was horrified he was sent home when he was, because it was a travesty.
"Because he was so strong and something of a loner he attracted attention that I think was, grossly unwarranted."
Mr Karam said Keith Murdoch was a great team player and liked to arrange social activities for the team while they were on tour.
He said he roomed with Mr Murdoch a few times, and his reputation as a fighter was unjustified.
Mr Karam also said Mr Murdoch was unfairly targeted by the news media.
A picture taken of Mr Murdoch at Heathrow Airport as he was heading home, showed his blazer missing the All Blacks logo.
He said the media assumed and reported that he had been shamefully stripped of his All Blacks honour, but this was not the case.
"The manager of the All Black team, Ernie Todd, said to Keith 'hey Keith all the stitching on your pocket is falling to pieces, I think I'll take it off and I'll get it sewn on properly for you next week otherwise it's going to get lost', so the story that he was stripped of his All Black blazer is what Donald Trump would call fake news."
