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Former All Blacks lock and Taranaki rugby great Ian Eliason dies aged 73

February 25, 2019

Eliason played 19 games for the All Blacks and played a record 222 games for Taranaki. (Source: Other)

Former All Blacks lock Ian Eliason has died at the age of 73, after a short illness.

He played 19 games for the All Blacks, but played no Test matches.

Eliason played a record of 222 games for the Taranaki province from 1964-1981.

He made his debut for Taranaki as an 18-year-old and hanged up the boots at 36.

Taranaki Rugby Football Union's chair Lindsay Thomson said it was sad day for Taranaki and New Zealand rugby.

"Humble passionate rugby ambassador who will be greatly missed but fondly remembered," said Thomson.

He died in New Plymouth last night. 

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