Keith Oxlee was a South African rugby union player who represented South Africa in 19 tests between 1960 and 1965.
22 Facts About Keith Oxlee
2.
Keith Oxlee amassed 88 career test points, breaking Gerry Brand's 27-year-old South African record and setting one that stood for 20 years until it was surpassed by Naas Botha.
3.
Keith Oxlee was the first player ever to win 100 caps for Natal.
4.
Keith Oxlee was born in Johannesburg on 17 December 1934 and educated at Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, Kwazulu-Natal, matriculating in 1952.
5.
Keith Oxlee represented Natal in the wind-battered 1956 Currie Cup final against Northern Transvaal at Kingsmead in Durban, which the northern side won by 9 to 8.
6.
In 1958 Keith Oxlee was selected to play in trials for tests against France.
7.
Keith Oxlee fitted this game plan perfectly with his "sleight of hand passing, constant switches of direction and astute tactical kicking".
8.
One of 6 new caps chosen, Keith Oxlee would go on to represent his country in 48 matches, scoring a total of 201 points.
9.
Keith Oxlee played in outgoing tours against the British and Ireland as well as France, Scotland, and Australia and New Zealand.
10.
Keith Oxlee missed his first two kicks at goal, but succeeded just before half-time.
11.
Keith Oxlee is perhaps best-remembered for the try that he scored in the first test against the Wallabies at Ellis Park on 5 August 1961.
12.
Keith Oxlee had been the target of heavy tackling by the Australians, to the extent that he had to receive stitches above his eye.
13.
Keith Oxlee was so dazed that he was moved to centre after refusing to leave the field.
14.
In recognition of his sporting prowess Keith Oxlee was named Natal Sportsman of the Year for 1961.
15.
On 10 August 1963 Keith Oxlee kicked the conversion following the first penalty try awarded in a test on South African soil.
16.
Keith Oxlee was later appointed provincial selector, but was enticed to come out of retirement at the age of 36 to "guide a young backline" for four matches in 1971.
17.
In 2009 Keith Oxlee was nominated for inclusion in the IRB Hall of Fame.
18.
Keith Oxlee was married to Barbara, with whom he had a son, Grant, and a daughter, Leanne.
19.
Keith Oxlee worked as sales representative for Protea Industrial Chemicals in Durban for two decades.
20.
Keith Oxlee maintained his physical fitness and completed two Comrades Marathons and played in touch rugby tournaments.
21.
An adept lawn bowler, Keith Oxlee once defeated the national champion.
22.
Keith Oxlee died in 1998 at the age of 63 from a blood clot after complications following a hip operation.