NZR mourns the passing of Sid Going

It is with great sadness that New Zealand Rugby announces former All Blacks and Māori All Blacks halfback Sidney Milton Going has passed away aged 80.

Going (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine) passed away on Friday 17 May surrounded by family and will be laid to rest in Maromaku in Northland.

Nicknamed “Super Sid”, he represented the All Blacks from 1967 to 1977, playing 29 Tests and 57 games, including five as captain.

NZR CEO Mark Robinson said “It’s incredibly sad to hear of Sid’s passing. He was a dynamic player and one of the greatest halfbacks in All Blacks history. He had an immense pride in wearing the All Blacks jersey and representing New Zealand Māori, something which greatly endeared him to fans. We send our condolences and aroha to his family and loved ones.” 

Going is regarded as one of the best halfbacks to wear the silver fern. By the end of his career he had built a reputation as a genuine match-winner that inspired fans around the world with the entertaining running style of rugby that New Zealand teams are known for today. 

Highlights from his career that are still talked about today include the two tries he scored inside the opening 30 minutes against France at Eden Park in 1968. Afterwards, the visiting French described him as the best halfback in the world.

“Sid was a special player and man in our game,” said All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. “He lit up the field with his ability and energy. He lit up people’s hearts up off it – that was his trademark.” 

The Going name was written into Northland rugby folklore by the Ranfurly Shield-winning performances of Sid and his brothers Ken and Brian during the 1970’s. Their style is still evident in the way Northland plays provincial rugby today.

Sid represented the province 43 times, while Ken also went on to become an All Black in 1974.

“My words will not come close to evoking the mana that Sid holds within our province,” said Northland Rugby CEO Cameron Bell.

“Together, from Te Kau to Mahurangi from our North Auckland days, and across the country we will respectfully mourn his passing, but also remember all that he has given our game of rugby.” 

Born in Kawakawa, Going was educated at Northland College and Church College of New Zealand. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to rugby in 1977 and was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

His rugby career began at Mid Northern Rugby Club, making his debut for Northland at the age of 18.

After spending two years in Canada as a Mormon Missionary, he returned to play for what was then called the Māori All Blacks. He played for the Māori over 12 years and was awarded the Tom French Cup three times. Going retired from first class rugby in 1978 and coached Northland from 1993-96.