Former All Blacks captain ‘Super Stu' Wilson dies aged 70
Admired internationally for his smooth style, skill, and leadership, Wilson earned the nickname 'Super Stu.
Former team-mates and opponents like David Kirk, Murray Mexted and David Campese hailed Wilson's contributions, highlighting his flair, humour, and passion for the game.
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Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson has died aged 70, with New Zealand Rugby leading the tributes to 'one of the finest wings to have played the game'.
Wilson was known as one of New Zealand's most scintillating wings of the amateur era, scoring 51 tries in 85 All Blacks matches, including 34 Tests.
He died on Sunday, New Zealand Rugby said in a statement.
New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk, who played alongside Wilson, said he 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.'
Our thoughts are with the whānau and loved ones of Stu Wilson, All Black #772, All Blacks captain, and try-scoring sensation, who passed away aged 70.
Stu was a mesmerising wing who represented the All Blacks 85 times including 34 Tests between 1976 and 1983 and scored an… pic.twitter.com/swgwvXS5Ge
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 8, 2025
Former All Blacks team-mate Murray Mexted said it was a 'hell of a shock'.
'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,' he told national broadcaster RNZ.
Mexted praised Wilson's playing style.
'He was elusive and smooth, he was cool as a cucumber on the field,' Mexted said.
'We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player. He just seemed to slide through gaps effortlessly.'
Wallabies legend David Campese said Wilson was the benchmark in world wing play when he started his career.
'As a player, Stu made rugby look easy and earned huge respect as captain in 1983,' Campese told Planet Rugby.
'He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, able to break through tacklers, making him a try-scoring machine.
'But it was off the field where Stu really entertained. His post-match career as a pundit and after-dinner speaker was hilariously funny and his tales would leave the audience rolling with laughter.'
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Wilson was ahead of his time in the way he played.
'His flair and joy for the game inspired a generation,' Robinson said.
'In retirement, he was a positive and respected public voice for rugby and continued to stay connected to both his club and his province.'
Robinson, meanwhile, announced his surprise resignation on Monday, saying he will step down at the end of the year.
The former All Black has led the organisation for the past six years, navigating the through the financial challenges of the Covid pandemic.
'The past six years have been a period of rapid change, or unprecedented challenges through the pandemic, and significant evolution across commercial, competitions and structures,' Robinson said.
'I will reflect on that as I get closer to stepping away, but I firmly believe the foundations of our organisation are extremely strong and the game is well-placed for the future.'
Robinson said he will move to Australia at the end of 2025, so he can spend more time with his family.
pic.twitter.com/6sGAyADGsR
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 8, 2025
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