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RNZ News
14-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Stu Wilson remembered: All Blacks star farewelled at funeral
Stu Wilson during his time as a rugby commentator for Sky Sport Photo: Photosport Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson had an energy that made him unforgettable, mourners were told at his Tauranga funeral. All Blacks teammates joined family and friends at the service at Bethlehem Baptist Church this afternoon. Wilson, 70, died peacefully in his sleep at his home last weekend. Mourners heard of a vibrant personality, who had an innate ability to connect with people, as well as reaching the top of the rugby world, with his extraordinary ability as a player. He played 34 tests for the All Blacks, with 85 games in all for the national side, scoring 50 tries, 19 of them in tests. He also played 89 matches for Wellington, forging a dynamic partnership with fellow winger Bernie Fraser. Daughters Kristy and Livvy, New Zealand Rugby president Matthew Cooper and former Wellington and All Blacks teammate Murray Mexted were among the speakers at the service. A family eulogy detailed a sporting career, with a young Wilson excelling in several sports, including rugby, cricket, golf and athletics. He was born in Gore, but raised mostly in Wairarapa. In form two at Masterton Intermediate, he took part in the Wellington regional athletics champs, winning five titles - the 100m, 200m, 800m, high jump and long jump. After leaving school, he tossed up between cricket and rugby as his main sport, choosing the latter. Cooper, who also played for the All Blacks eight years after Wilson's retirement in 1984, recalled watching him play for Wellington College Old Boys in the 1970s, saying he was like a ''puppet master at the fair". Stu Wilson played 34 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 19 tries. Photo: photosport "They only needed a forward pack, a first-five and a halfback and Stu Wilson, and still would have cleaned up.'' Wilson was the "best rugby player on the planet'' in his prime, Cooper said. "Beyond the statistics, beyond the commentary, beyond the tries and many highlights, Stu carried an energy that made him unforgettable. His half-glass-full personality, always with a smile, always bringing joy, was as much a part of his legacy as his talent as a rugby player." Mexted said he had been good mates with Wilson for 50 years. On the rugby field, Wilson had a great feel for the game. "He was an international rugby star and, as the years go by, we tend to forget about how good players were, but I will never forget how good Stu was. "What I loved about him too was how much he appreciated people and how good he was to people that felt uncomfortable, and I saw examples of that throughout my years with him." He said he had a coffee with Wilson the day before his death. "He was so full of life, and he had this smile on his face and he had no inclination he was about to pass." The family eulogy emphasised his ability to connect with and help people, with plenty of mentions of his recent job as an orderly at Tauranga Hospital. "He will be admired for his talent, humour, humility and kindness. His big laugh, the glint in his eye, his fast stride and his constant smile.'' Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Associated Press
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
All Blacks great Stu Wilson, known for his ebullient personality and pioneering play, dies at 70
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Stu Wilson, an elusive All Blacks winger whose playing style reflected his ebullient personality, has died. He was 70. Wilson's death was confirmed by New Zealand Rugby, which did not specify a cause. He died in his sleep Sunday at his home in Tauranga on New Zealand's North Island. Wilson was a natural joker whose play was many years ahead of its time. He foreshadowed the larger, stronger wingers who are now commonplace but he also had pace, balance and an ability to break tackles. Wilson scored 19 tries in 35 tests for the All Blacks which, at the time of his retirement, was the all-time record for New Zealand. That included a hat-trick of tries against the British and Irish Lions at Dunedin in 1983. He captained the All Blacks on their 1983 tour to Britain and formed a brilliant attacking partnership at provincial and international level with his fellow winger and friend Bernie Fraser. After retiring Wilson became an amusing and popular commentator for television. David Campese, an ex-Australia winger who made his test debut opposite Wilson in 1982, told Television New Zealand '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.' ___ AP rugby:
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
All Blacks great Stu Wilson, known for his ebullient personality and pioneering play, dies at 70
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Stu Wilson, an elusive All Blacks winger whose playing style reflected his ebullient personality, has died. He was 70. Wilson's death was confirmed by New Zealand Rugby, which did not specify a cause. He died in his sleep Sunday at his home in Tauranga on New Zealand's North Island. Advertisement Wilson was a natural joker whose play was many years ahead of its time. He foreshadowed the larger, stronger wingers who are now commonplace but he also had pace, balance and an ability to break tackles. Wilson scored 19 tries in 35 tests for the All Blacks which, at the time of his retirement, was the all-time record for New Zealand. That included a hat-trick of tries against the British and Irish Lions at Dunedin in 1983. He captained the All Blacks on their 1983 tour to Britain and formed a brilliant attacking partnership at provincial and international level with his fellow winger and friend Bernie Fraser. After retiring Wilson became an amusing and popular commentator for television. Advertisement David Campese, an ex-Australia winger who made his test debut opposite Wilson in 1982, told Television New Zealand '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.' ___ AP rugby:
