NEW Zealand All Blacks legend Shayne Philpott has died aged 58 after suffering a mystery “medical event”.
News of the athlete’s death was confirmed by NZ Rugby, saying their “thoughts were with his family.”
He was All Black No 895 and a fantastic points-scorer during his decade-long career for Canterbury.
Philpott, who played 113 games for Canterbury, is understood to have died in Christchurch after a “medical event”.
Just months after rupturing his left knee’s ACL, he made his All Blacks debut on the 1988 tour of Australia and went on to play 12 games and two Tests.
But Philpott sustained an injury as he competed for the New Zealand Sevens in Sydney, a team comprised of both current and future stars.
The star was then nominated to John Hart’s All Blacks roster, despite injuring his arm playing for Canterbury just nine weeks before the 1991 Rugby World Cup.
Devastated fans described Philpott as a determined player, a quality that would later earn him a loyal fanbase.
Rugby journalist Wynne Gray previously wrote: “Philpott, or Rita as he was known, belongs to a group of men who have produced standards and aura which are the envy of the sporting world.”
“We can all think of players we would not have chosen for the All Blacks, fringe contenders, bit-part internationals, those who lucked in through a variety of circumstance.
“His work for the All Blacks may have totalled less than an hour but he had reached the pinnacle of his sport.”
In an attempt to “disassociate” himself with the All Blacks, Philpott made the “rash” decision to sell his All Blacks cap in 2011, the NZ Herald reports.
He had drawn criticism because of a rumoured resemblance to Alex Wyllie, the All Blacks coach at the time Philpott was chosen.
Philpott said at the time: “I had tended to disassociate myself with the fact that I ever was an All Black, although I do get reminded from time to time.
“I’m more proud of the fact that I won two club finals with Burnside and played 113 games for Canterbury.
“I didn’t go to the capping ceremony [in 2009] to be presented my cap amongst other All Blacks, I had it posted to me.”
Born on September 16, 1965, in Christchurch, New Zealand, Shayne Philpott emerged as a notable figure in rugby union, particularly known for his role as a hooker.
His early years were marked by his education at St. Bede’s College, a respected Catholic boys’ school in Christchurch, which played a crucial role in shaping his rugby career.
At St. Bede’s, Philpott developed his skills and passion for the game, laying the groundwork for his future successes on the field.
Philpott was always connected to the sport, contributing to the rugby community through various roles, including coaching and mentoring young players.
His experience and insights have been invaluable in nurturing the next generation of rugby talent.
