Alex "Grizz" Wyllie, the former All Blacks loose forward and All Blacks head coach, has died at the age of 80.
Wyllie, a tough and uncompromising player and coach, played 40 games, including 11 Tests, for the All Blacks between 1970 and 1973 and was an assistant coach of the All Blacks for their first World Cup victory in 1987.
He was also joint head coach of the team with John Hart in 1991.
After playing 210 games for Canterbury, Wyllie enjoyed a huge amount of success as coach of the province in the 1980s.
Under his reign, the red and blacks won the Ranfurly Shield against Wellington in 1982 and held it for a record-equalling three years before being beaten by rivals Auckland in a thrilling match at Lancaster Park.
Former All Blacks and Canterbury midfielder Warwick Taylor, who was coached by Wyllie, told 1News: "He was an amazing man. His persona was rough gruff.. but that man had a heart of gold."
Canterbury Rugby said in a statement: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alex 'Grizz' Wyllie, who left us peacefully overnight."
The union said Wyllie was an icon of Canterbury, Canterbury Country and New Zealand Rugby.
"Grizz’s legacy spans both his legendary playing career and his remarkable work as a coach. His contribution to the game in New Zealand, especially in Canterbury, has been nothing short of extraordinary."
Wyllie began his playing career at the Glenmark Rugby Club and donned the Red & Black jersey for the first time in 1964. He went on to play 210 matches, serving as captain for over 100 of those games, until he hung up his playing boots in 1979.
He played 40 matches for the All Blacks before going on to coach and serve as a selector for the national side. He also held various coaching roles in England, Ireland, South Africa and Argentina.
Canterbury Rugby Board Chairman Mike Lay said: “Grizz was a legend of Canterbury Rugby. His contributions as a player and a coach shaped the game in ways that will be felt for generations. He was a mentor to so many, a fierce competitor on the field, a man of no fuss whose passion for rugby was matched only by his love for the people around him. His passion, dedication, and love for the game will continue to inspire and shape generations of players to come.
"Our hearts go out to his family, and we are forever grateful for everything he gave to the game we all love.”
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