David Duckham

Former British rugby union player David Duckham MBE is the Honorary President of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK and is remembered for his speed and agility on the pitch. Playing almost forty games for England during his professional career Duckham now works as a rugby speaker across the UK, regularly appearing at England rugby union after dinner speaker events.

David was the only English back on the Barbarians team that beat the All Blacks in the 1973 game at Cardiff Arms Park. This game is very significant to David's rugby career and is often viewed as a highlight by his fans. In the first half of the game, he made a run, one which has become part of rugby lore. After the match, he was given a nickname by Welsh fans, as they felt that he played like one of their own.

Though Duckham’s career took place at a time when the England team were, by and large, failing against many of their international opponents (notably their nearest rivals, Wales) Duckham was still commended for his work as both a rugby speaker and player when he was awarded an MBE after his retirement in 1975.

Arguably the highlight of David Duckham career was his presence on the 1971 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand where he scored an impressive 11 tries in 16 games. Nurtured by coach and fellow sports speaker Carwyn James Duckham developed an aggressive and ultimately successful attacking freedom that was lacking elsewhere in the team.

Duckham has spent the last twenty years working as a sports speaker appearing at both British Lions and charity after dinner speaker events. A respected and eloquent rugby speaker David Duckham inspired many of today’s best rugby union players and continues to work closely with the British youth team.