Ex-All Blacks coach and ‘fierce competitor’ Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie dies at the age of 80
Alex "Grizz" Wyllie coached and played for the All Blacks.
New Zealand rugby was left in mourning this weekend after learning of the death of former All Blacks head coach Alex “Grizz” Wyllie at the age of 80.
Wyllie, who also represented New Zealand as a flanker in 11 Tests between 1970 and 1973, coached the All Blacks from 1988 to 1991 and was living near Picton where he was battling cancer.
He also served as an assistant coach to Sir Brian Lochore when the All Blacks won the inaugural Rugby World Cup which was held in New Zealand and Australia in 1987.
Fine coaching record
Wyllie coached the All Blacks in 64 matches of which they won 58, lost five and drew one which gave him a 91% success rate. Of those matches, 29 were Tests, and they won 25, lost three and drew one for a win percentage of 86.2%.
As a player, he was a legend of Canterbury, who he represented in 210 matches from 1964 to 1979.
Wyllie also coached Canterbury at provincial level from 1982 to 1986 and during that time they were crowned New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) champions in 1983, while he also guided the famous province to 25 Ranfurly Shield defences between 1982 to 1986.
Canterbury Rugby Football Union chairman Mike Lay paid tribute to Wyllie saying he made a big impact as a coach and a player.
“Grizz was a legend of Canterbury Rugby,” he told Stuff. “His contributions as a player and a coach shaped the game in ways that will be felt for generations.
‘A man of no fuss’
“He was a mentor to so many, a fierce competitor on the field, a man of no fuss whose passion for rugby was matched only by his love for the people around him.
“His passion, dedication, and love for the game will continue to inspire and shape generations of players to come.
“Our hearts go out to his family, and we are forever grateful for everything he gave to the game we all love.”
Wyllie also had a coaching stint with Eastern Province in South Africa after stepping down from his role with the All Blacks and was Argentina’s head coach from 1996 to 1999, guiding Los Pumas to the quarter-finals at the 1999 World Cup.
He also also had coaching roles at club level in England and Ireland.
👀 READ MORE: 👉 Ian Foster reveals shortlist for Lions clash including star All Black duo