Former All Blacks coach Wyllie dies aged 80
Former All Blacks coach Alex 'Grizz' Wyllie died on Saturday at the age of 80, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) said.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of All Blacks legend Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie All Black #688 🖤
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) March 23, 2025
Wyllie played for the All Blacks from 1970 to 1973 and later coached the team from 1987 to 1991. 🇳🇿
Wyllie was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)… pic.twitter.com/WKLiZxv2fx
Wyllie coached New Zealand in 64 tests from 1988 to 1991, winning 58 times, losing four and drawing once.
"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," NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson said in a statement.
"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."
The former flanker led the All Blacks as joint head coach alongside John Hart at the 1991 Rugby World Cup, where the All Blacks were eliminated in the semifinals by eventual winners Australia.
🗣️ "His contributions as a player and a coach shaped the game in ways that will be felt for generations."
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) March 23, 2025
🇳🇿 Ex-All Blacks coach and ‘fierce competitor’ Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie dies at the age of 80.https://t.co/jzdDp1V0qb
Wyllie represented New Zealand 11 times as a player in international fixtures having played for Canterbury in provincial rugby more than 200 times from 1964 to 1979.
He took over as Canterbury head coach in 1982 and, after his three-year stint with the All Blacks, led Argentina to the quarterfinals of the 1999 World Cup.
"Canterbury Rugby will feel this loss deeply, including Canterbury Country Rugby and the Glenmark Rugby Club where Grizz began his career," Canterbury Rugby Union chair Mike Lay said.
"As both a player and coach, Grizz set standards that defined Canterbury Rugby and left a lasting legacy on New Zealand's rugby culture.
"We mourn his passing but celebrate the incredible contribution he made to our sport and the way he inspired a province."