Stu Wilson: Former All Blacks captain dies, aged 70

During his time, Wellington would win two National Provincial titles in 1978 and 1981, the latter year also saw them hold the Ranfurly Shield.

Bernie Fraser and Stu Wilson in 1992. Photo / Photosport

He controversially retired from all rugby in 1984, after he co-authored a book, Ebony & Ivory, with fellow All Black wing Bernie Fraser, which went against the governing body’s rules at the time.

After retiring, he went on to work as a television presenter and radio host, before also dabbling in real estate and working for charitable organisations.

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In 2021, Wilson became an orderly at Tauranga Hospital after moving to the Bay of Plenty from Auckland three years earlier.

“I needed a job for a couple of days a week to get me out of the house and thought this could be it,” he said at the time.

Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson pictured in 2021. Photo / George Novak, NZME

Wallabies great David Campese, Wilson’s former foe, led the tributes.

“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.”

“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.

“I will never forget Stu. He was my benchmark, my adversary and also a lifelong mate who I endured as a brilliant opponent and enjoyed as a great mate. RIP my friend, the game is lesser without you.”

Former All Blacks No 8 Murray Mexted told Radio New Zealand he 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.

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“We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player,” Mexted said.

Labour MP Willie Jackson said on Twitter: “Man was he a champion, such a different style to other wingers. Incredibly elusive, but lethal. Loved watching him play! Neat guy too, great personality. Always friendly and up for a joke. All the best to his whānau.”

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.