Keith Murdrock dead: Rugby star who vanished in disgrace to live like nomad passes away at 74
The All Black prop at the centre of one of the most remarkable and mysterious rugby stories ever told has died at the age of 74.
Keith Murdock's death was confirmed by New Zealand Rugby on Friday, according to the Mirror.
His amazing story began nearly 46 years after a fateful night in Cardiff that changed his life forever.
In December 1972, the giant prop became the first All Black to be sent home from a tour following an incident in Cardiff.
Hours after scoring the winning try to beat Wales 19-16 at the Arms Park on December 2, the moustached Murdoch punched a 29-year-old security guard following a heavy drinking session at the Angel Hotel in the city centre.
Peter Grant, the security guard from Cwmbran, was reportedly left with two black eyes following the incident that made front page news in Wales and New Zealand.
“He tried to punch one of his tour officials and I stepped in to restrain him," Grant said at the time.
“They held me back to stop me getting at him. Our men restrained him, with one or two of the New Zealand players helping. It was ridiculous. We were there to protect the New Zealanders. This should never have happened.”
Two days later, All Blacks manager Ernie Todd took the decision to send Murdoch home in apparent disgrace, insisting it was "for his own good".
What happened next gave birth to one of the most mysterious rugby stories ever told.
The 17st 4lb prop was put on a plane from Heathrow to New Zealand, via Sydney. He never arrived back in Auckland.
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