All Blacks great Stu Wilson has died aged 70.
Wilson made 85 appearances – including 34 Tests – for the All Blacks between 1976-1983 and captained the team during the 1983 tour of Scotland and England.
New Zealand Rugby confirmed his death to 1News.
Planet Rugby reported that the former All Blacks winger died peacefully in his sleep in Tauranga.
Former Wallabies great David Campese led the tributes for Wilson.
“When I started playing, Stu was the benchmark in world wing play. He was the man we all wanted to be – cocky, clever, blisteringly quick and brilliantly intelligent.
“As a player, Stu made rugby look easy and earned huge respect as captain in 1983. He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, able to break through tacklers, making him a try-scoring machine.
“I made my debut against him in 1982 in the Bledisloe in Christchurch and grabbed my first Test try against him. We became very great pals, playing together in invitation games.
“I still have his jersey from that first Test match and it’s one of my most cherished possessions as he represented the standard I wanted to attain,” Campese said.
Former All Black Murray Mexted told RNZ he had a coffee with Wilson on the morning of his death.
“He was just his normal self, chirpy with a spring in his step, so it’s a hell of a shock,” Mexted told RNZ.
Mexted had known Wilson from when they were teenagers and the pair had played together for Wellington and the All Blacks.
“We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player,” Mexted told RNZ.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Breakfast he remembered Wilson as an “incredible guy”.
“He was one of the great All Blacks when I grew up as a kid,” Luxon said.
Wilson went on to have a commentary career after his playing days ended.
‘One of the greats’ – NZR
In a statement, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) acknowledged the All Blacks captain and “try-scoring sensation” who was a “mesmerising wing”.
NZR chairperson David Kirk, who played alongside Wilson during the 1983 tour, said he would be deeply missed.
“Stu was one of the finest wings to have played the game and one of rugby’s most memorable characters. He took a light-hearted approach to life but was deeply passionate and serious about representing his country. At his best he was nearly unstoppable with the ball in hand and was respected by his peers and opponents across the world. We will miss him deeply and remember him fondly.”
Outgoing New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Wilson was “ahead of his time in the way he played”.
“His flair and joy for the game inspired a generation. In retirement he was a positive and respected public voice for rugby and continued to stay connected to both his club and his province. Our condolences go out to his family and friends,” he said.
Born in Gore, Wilson forged his rugby career in Wellington where he represented the province 89 times and scored 54 tries from 1976-1983, forming a close friendship and dynamic partnership with fellow Wellington and All Blacks teammate and fellow wing Bernie Fraser.
Wellington Rugby chief executive Tony Giles said Wilson’s legacy would live on through his feats for the province.
“Stu Wilson’s contribution to rugby in Wellington and New Zealand is immeasurable. He was more than just a world-class player; he was a proud ambassador for the sport, his province, and his country. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and the wider rugby community at this time.
“He will be remembered as one of the greats.”