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One of the greatest characters in New Zealand rugby history has passed away

One of the greatest characters in New Zealand rugby history has passed away

23 March 2025

Former All Black No 8 and coach Alex Wyllie MBE - known universally as Grizz - has died aged 80.

Wylie played 40 matches, including 11 tests, for the All Blacks...and a whopping 210 provincial matches for his beloved Canterbury.

Grizz coached the red-and-blacks to a Ranfurly Shield win in 1982 and his team went on to hold the trophy for a record-equalling three years.

He also coached Canterbury to wins over the British Lions and the Wallabies before becoming assistant coach as the All Blacks won the first-ever Rugby world Cup in 1987.

He was the All Blacks head coach from 1988 to 1991 before John Hart joined him as co-coach for the 1991 World Cup.

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