Former All Black loose forward and coach Alex “Grizz” Wyllie has died at the age of 80 in Picton.
Known as one of the toughest players of his era, Wyllie played 40 games for the All Blacks from 1970 to 1973 and coached Canterbury to Ranfurly Shield success in the 1980s.
He served as assistant coach during the All Blacks’ 1987 World Cup victory and later became joint head coach with John Hart at the 1991 World Cup.
Wyllie was known for his no-nonsense coaching style and immense contribution to New Zealand rugby, both as a player and a mentor.
He also had international coaching stints in England, Ireland, South Africa, and Argentina, guiding the Pumas to a quarter-final at the 1999 World Cup.
Wyllie was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1986 for his services to the sport.
RIP a great guy, stern but fair coach, and a legendary athlete, pity no russians here at DTNZ don’t know much about who he is