Former All Black John McEldowney dies

Fairfax NZ

John McEldowney in action at the 1977 All Blacks trial in New Plymuoth.

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Former All Black and Taranaki rugby stalwart John McEldowney has died suddenly.

The 65-year-old New Plymouth man collapsed and died while out walking yesterday.

Sergeant Royston Betteridge said Mr McEldowney had an existing medical condition that caused him to collapse while walking on Breakwater Rd near Pioneer Rd with his wife.

Ambulance, police and fire crews arrived shortly after midday but were unable to revive him.

As a front-row forward Mr McEldowney played 10 matches for the All Blacks, two of them tests against the 1977 Lions. He also represented Taranaki 124 times.

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