'Will miss him deeply': Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson dies age 70

This article originally appeared on Stuff and is reproduced with permission

Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson has died, aged 70.

Wilson, who worked as a commentator after his playing days, made 85 appearances (34 tests) for the All Blacks between 1976-1983 and died in Tauranga at the weekend.

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A silky-skilled wing, Gore-born Wilson scored 50 tries in the black jersey and captained the national team on the 1983 tour of Scotland and England.

Renowned for his sense of humour and extroverted nature, Wilson debuted against a Buenos Aires selection as a 22-year-old, before making his test debut against France in Toulouse the following year.

Wilson, who is considered among the greatest wingers to represent the All Blacks, surprisingly retired from test rugby in 1984 while still at the top of his game. His 19 test tries were a record until Sir John Kirwan eclipsed his mark in 1988.

Former All Blacks team-mate Murray Mexted was stunned by the news, having 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 knew Wilson from when they were teenagers and the pair played together for Wellington and the All Blacks.

"He was high spirited in a really lovely way, you never had a dull Stu Wilson and he lived life with a smile on his face."

Mexted said there were few attacking players like Wilson.

"He was elusive and smooth, he was cool as a cucumber on the field. We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player.

"He just seemed to slide through gaps effortlessly and he was so good at it that they moved him into centre at one stage."

Wallabies legend David Campese made his test debut against Wilson in 1982 and paid tribute on Monday.

"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," Campese told Planet Rugby.

"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."

Wilson also made 89 appearances for Wellington between 1975-1984, running in 54 tries for the Lions.

In addition to working as a commentator and presenter, Wilson worked in real estate and for charitable organisations.

"A doctor here called Doctor [Kok] Chow saved my life when he put a stent in one of the arteries in my heart," Wilson said at the time.

"I see him walking the wards, too, so I always sort of say to him, 'I love your handiwork mate. It's been good, it's still standing."

That was partly why Wilson expressed interest in the gig, responding to an advert at a time he had recently retired but still wanted to get out of the house a few times a week.

At the job interview, regional team leader Bruce Raynel asked how he felt about taking orders.

"All I want to be is a foot-soldier, Bruce," he replied. "Go and do a job and come back, tick it off."

NZ Rugby chair David Kirk, who played alongside Wilson during the 1983 tour of England and Scotland, said Wilson would be deeply missed.

"Stu was one of the finest wings to have played the game and one of rugby's most memorable characters,'' Kirk said.

"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."

NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Wilson was "ahead of his time''.

"Stu was ahead of his time in the way played what was in front of him and beat defenders in multiple ways with his footwork, speed or kick ahead,'' Robinson said.

"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."