Former All Blacks captain and NZ Rugby president Tane Norton has died, aged 81.
Born Rangitane Will Norton at Waikari in 1942, he first represented Mid Canterbury at provincial level, before debuting at hooker for Canterbury in 1969.
He was first selected for the national team against the British Lions in 1971 and appeared 27 times for his country, captaining them to a series victory over the Lions in 1977.
Norton was awarded the Tom French Cup as Māori Player of the Year in 1973 and 1974, and was appointed a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to rugby in 2006 New Year Honours.
"I still wake up and can't believe I've been an All Black," he told Stuff in 2012.
Canterbury Rugby has posted a tribute to Norton on social media.
"It is with sadness that we send our condolences to the Norton family, Linwood Rugby Club and the wider Canterbury Rugby whānau, following the passing of Tane Norton overnight," it said.
"As president and life member of Linwood, a life member of Canterbury Rugby and integral in many different parts of the rugby fraternity, Tane will leave a proud legacy and will be sorely missed."
