Dick Conway (rugby union)

Conway was small for a loose forward, standing 1.75 metres (5 ft 9 in) tall and weighing 85 kilograms (187 lb), but was known as a dynamic tackler.^[3]

Conway made his provincial debut for Otago, where he spent several winters, in 1957.^[1] He went on to play 72 games for Bay of Plenty from 1962 to 1968, and was captain of the team.^[1][4]

Conway debuted for the All Blacks in 1959, playing the second test against the touring British Lions.^[3] The first test had resulted in a New Zealand win, but was described as "New Zealand's saddest victory" by some in the press due to the Lions' outscoring the home team four tries to none.^[5][6]

A persistent finger injury incurred from playing as a softball catcher put Conway's 1960 tour of South Africa in doubt.^[3] The damage occurred to his third finger on his right hand after it was broken while trying to catch a foul ball. After the break mended the finger retained a kink and he was told by a specialist that if he kept playing rugby the finger would keep breaking. To keep his spot on the tour Conway decided have the finger amputated after the final selection trial.^[7] He was not selected for the All Blacks for five years following the tour until 1965, when he was recalled for four tests against South Africa. He played an important role in securing a 3–1 series victory.^[8] That was his last game for the All Blacks, although he did play in a "The Rest" team against them the next year.^[9]

Conway worked as a carpenter, and he coached rugby at club level in Whakatāne during the 1970s.^[1]

He died in Whakatāne on 25 May 2022, aged 87.^[10][11]