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18 May 2025 22:30
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  •   Home > News > Sports > Rugby

    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


    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.

    © 2025 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

     Other Rugby News
     18 May: Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea has claimed the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year title after establishing an unassailable lead in voting with two weeks left in the regular season
     18 May: A recall to the Black Ferns for lock Chelsea Bremner
     18 May: Scottie Scheffler is the hottest of favourites to win a third golf major, after taking a three-shot lead at the 54-hole mark of the PGA Championship
     18 May: A performance for the ages from Ardie Savea has guided Moana Pasifika to a 27-21 win over the Blues in their Super Rugby game in Albany
     17 May: Moana Pasifika Coach Tana Umaga has explained why he continues to change his first-five - going in to battle with the Blues tonight
     17 May: Vern Cotter's happy for his side to be labelled the 'boring Blues' if the results keep rolling in - ahead of tonight's trip to Albany to face Moana Pasifika
     17 May: A battle of the back-row's in tonight's Super Rugby clash between Moana Pasifika and the Blues at North Harbour Stadium
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     Today's News

    Environment:
    A 15-year-old boy's managed to avoid trouble after being swept down Ngatiawa River in Tararua Forest Park 21:56

    Rugby:
    Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea has claimed the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year title after establishing an unassailable lead in voting with two weeks left in the regular season 21:16

    Accident and Emergency:
    Fire crews are working to extinguish a fire on the roof of a property in Glenwood, Timaru 18:56

    Law and Order:
    A man has been arrested in relation to seven suspicious fires in Masterton earlier this year 18:36

    Technology:
    How often should you turn off your phone and devices? 18:16

    Environment:
    Expected wet weather in the North Island tonight could bring flood risks 18:06

    Rugby:
    A recall to the Black Ferns for lock Chelsea Bremner 17:26

    Rugby League:
    Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett's firming for New South Wales State of Origin selection, with reports he's been told to not jump on a plane back home with the team 17:26

    Golf:
    A daunting task for the chasing pack at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow heading into the final round 16:16

    Law and Order:
    Ben Roberts-Smith has lost an appeal in his long-running defamation case. Here’s why 16:06


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