The rugby community is mourning the loss of former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson, who passed away at the age of 70 on Sunday in Tauranga, as confirmed by New Zealand Rugby.
Regarded as one of the world’s finest attacking players during his time with the All Blacks in the early 1980s, Wilson made his Test debut in 1976 with a commanding performance against Uruguay, scoring 20 points.
Over his career, he earned 34 official caps for the All Blacks, donning the jersey a remarkable 85 times and amassing 51 tries, including a memorable hat-trick against the British and Irish Lions in 1983. He retired from professional rugby in 1984 and became a popular after-dinner speaker in his later years.
Our thoughts are with the whānau and loved ones of Stu Wilson, All Black #772, All Blacks captain, and try-scoring sensation, who passed away aged 70.
Stu was a mesmerising wing who represented the All Blacks 85 times including 34 Tests between 1976 and 1983 and scored an… pic.twitter.com/swgwvXS5Ge
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 8, 2025
A proud representative of Wellington, Wilson’s contributions to the province were described as “immeasurable” by Wellington Rugby CEO Tony Giles, who stated, “He was more than just a world-class player; he was a proud ambassador for the sport, his province, and his country.”
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Long-time rival David Campese paid tribute to Wilson, saying he set the standard for wing play. “I will never forget Stu. He was my benchmark, my adversary, and also a lifelong mate,” the Wallaby legend remarked.
In 1983, Wilson made history by becoming the first wing to captain the All Blacks, leading the team on an eight-match tour of Scotland and England and wearing the captain’s armband in two Test matches.
Outgoing New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson reflected on Wilson’s impact:
“Stu was ahead of his time in how he played, using his footwork, speed, and kicking ability to beat defenders. His flair and joy for the game inspired a generation. In retirement, he remained a positive and respected voice for rugby while staying connected to both his club and province. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”
