New Zealand Rugby mourns the passing of Tane Norton

E Tane e 

Kei te kōtuku rerenga tahi 

Te kaikape rongonui  

Ko te wao whutupōro 

E tangi hotuhotu nei 

E moe, e moe, okioki ai e rangatira 

Oh Tane 

An extraordinary kotuku of single flight 

Player of great fame 

The house of Rugby 

Laments this great loss 

Rest now, in quiet repose, at peace o Chiefly one. 

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) are saddened to hear of the passing former All Black and NZR President, Rangitane (Tane) Norton.  

Capped as All Black #694, Norton (Ngāi Tahu), a hooker, played a total of 61 games, including 27 Tests, captaining the side nine times including to a series win over the British & Irish Lions in 1977, and became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to rugby in 2006.  

He represented and captained the Māori All Blacks between 1969 and 1977, was selected for a World Invitational XV in 1977, and represented Canterbury 82 times. After his playing career he continued to give back to the game through administrative roles and was the NZR President from 2003-2005. 

NZR CEO Mark Robinson said: “Tane epitomised everything that’s great about rugby. He was a leader of men on and off the field and was universally respected. As a player, he was tenacious, powerful player who set a high standard for the team to follow, and was a hugely popular and successful captain of the All Blacks.  

“His passion for the game continued following his playing career, giving back to his beloved Linwood club. During his tenure as Vice President and President of NZR, he continued to represent our sport with mana and pride. He was a fantastic ambassador for rugby who has made an immense contribution to the game and will be dearly missed. We send our thoughts to his whānau and friends in this sad time.”  

For Tane Norton’s All Blacks bio, click here.