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Former New Zealand flanker and coach Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie dies
By PA
Tributes have been paid to former All Black Alex Wyllie, who has died at the age of 80.
Flanker Wyllie, affectionately known as Grizz, played 40 matches for New Zealand – including 11 Tests – and captained his country three times between 1970 and 1973 before becoming head coach from 1987 to 1991, winning 58 of 64 matches in charge.
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He also served as an assistant coach to Sir Brian Lochore for the All Blacks’ inaugural Rugby World Cup victory in the tournament co-hosted with Australia in 1987.
Wyllie was made an MBE in the 1986 New Year Honours for his services to rugby.
“Grizz Wyllie was a true giant of our game – not just in the way he played, but in the way he led and inspired those around him,” said New Zealand Rugby’s chief executive Mark Robinson.
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“Grizz was a larger-than-life character who made an immense impact as a player and coach and his legacy will live on in New Zealand and world rugby forever.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the wider rugby community at this difficult time.”
Wyllie played 210 matches for Canterbury between 1964 and 1979 and also coached them to New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship in 1983.
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So sad and sorry to hear yesterday about Alex Wyllies passing. When I first went to Lancaster Park , Grizz was the captain and no8. A fearsome legend. His time coaching Canterbury 1982-86 , was one of the highlights of my life. 82-85 , was Canterbury’s record equalling Ranfurly Shield era, culminating in the “Match of the Century” , when we lost it to Auckland . I was at that game and the rest, it was one for the ages. Inspired by Grizz Canterbury nearly won it, after being 24-0 down. In 1986 Canterbury thrashed the touring Wallabies, who went on to beat the All Blacks 2-1 in that test series.Alex Wyllie inspired 2 of the players who were huge parts of his Shield team, to become great coaches in there own right. They are of course , Wayne Smith and Robbie Deans . Canterbury /Crusaders and international legends. Robbie Deans was the goal kicking hero on many occasion in that era, none more than when he kicked the equalizing penalty against Counties in the first up Shield challenge, a game I was at. As with the rest of those games. Wayne Smith scored the try to claim the Shield in Wellington a week earlier It was a pleasure to meet Grizz on a number of occasions. Rest in peace Grizz. A red and black legend , first class. He was also an All Black and one of our greatest AB coaches.
I wonder if he’ll be coaching wherever he’s wound up in the afterlife. Kind of weird to think he’s gone….seemed like hed been round ..like forever. Shows how old we are getting..