WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Famously tough All Blacks loose forward Alex (Grizz) Wyllie who went on to coach New Zealand to 25 wins in 29 tests has died. He was 80.
Wyllie’s death on Saturday as a result of cancer was confirmed by Canterbury Rugby Union which said “it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie who left us peacefully overnight.”
Rugged and lavishly mustachioed, Wyllie came to personify the ideal of the rugby hard man. He played 11 tests among 40 games for the All Blacks and 210 matches for Canterbury province.