A member of the Wallabies’ “Magnificent Seven”, Barry McDonald, has died, aged 79.
McDonald played two Tests for Australia in 1969 and 1970 but he earned a Medal of Freedom from former South African President Nelson Mandela for his stance against apartheid.
The former flanker is remembered for his decision to boycott the 1971 tour by an all-white South African squad alongside six of his Wallabies teammates in protest against the country’s apartheid regime.
McDonald and his teammates faced fierce social and political backlash, however a groundswell of support helped force a decision from incoming Prime Minister Gough Whitlam to suspend all sporting contact with South Africa followed by trade sanctions.
The “Rugby Seven” as they had become known, would later be hailed as the “Magnificent Seven” after it was recognised that a direct line could be traced from their actions to the referendum that marked the end of apartheid in 1994.
CJ
Guest
A very modest, highly likeable and talented individual. From memory, he did a degree in classical music and was something of a virtuoso pianist. A real renaissance man.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
He was officially ackowledeged by Nelson Mandela a quarter of a century later. High praise indeed.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Thanks Zenn.
Zenn
Roar Rookie
Ken, I believe the documentary is called "Political Football"
Zenn
Roar Rookie
Barry McDonald and the magnificent seven were airbrushed from history in much the same way that their contemporary Peter Norman was. Other members of the magnificent seven were Terry Forman, Jim Boyce, Paul Darveniza, Anthony Abrahams, Jim Roxburgh and Bruce Taafe A local school is named after Bert Oldfield...It is time that more schools are named after truly great Australians such as Norman, McDonald and the magnificent seven. Valé Barry McDonald
From The Square
Guest
A principled man, an entertaining host, a brilliant touch footy player. Unique.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Cheers Christopher. There is at least one documentary that tells the story of these brave young principled men. Someone closer to the archives may be able to inform us of its title and how to access it. It is a great story.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
R.I.P.
Christopher Roche
Expert
Vale Barry. What a champion. Thank you Ken for also posting the article. Whilst anyone's passing is a sad occasion Barry's family can be immensely proud of him. The measure of a man is not what he says but what he does. To give up the chance of playing for your country on principle is an example to all of us.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Reported.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
So how do you follow up 1963 in SA...Well now you know. Vale Mr McDonald.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Thanks Ken, great article. Amongst my earliest rugby memories were the riots against the 1981 Boks tour of NZ, the debate was pretty fierce in the years that followed, including around the Cavaliers tour in 1986. I'm glad the right side won the argument in the end and that the Bokke have shown us what they can do as a rainbow nation last year.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
You should look it up Rhys. It was momentous. Our Sth African friends who have lived through these transitions will surely have vivid versions of this history. But here is a summary from one angle. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugbys-magnificent-seven-turned-their-backs-on-ugly-face-of-apartheid-20110820-1j3l9.html Tom Carroll, the Australian surfer, also shocked his manager in the early eighties when he spontaneously pulled out of the SA leg of the World Tour, for similar reasons.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Legend. I'd never heard of him or the "Magnificent Seven" but I'm glad I have now.