New Zealand Pays Tribute to All Blacks Tough Guy Nicknamed ‘Grizz’ Following His Passing

Renowned for his toughness, All Blacks loose forward Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie, who later coached New Zealand to an impressive 25 victories in 29 Tests, has passed away at the age of 80.

The confirmation of Wyllie’s passing due to cancer came from the Canterbury Rugby Union, which stated, “It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful departure of Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie.”

With a rugged appearance and a notable moustache, Wyllie epitomised the quintessential rugby hard man.

Wyllie appeared in 11 Tests, contributing to 40 matches for the All Blacks, and played 210 games for Canterbury.

During his tenure, he was part of the Canterbury squad that clinched the Ranfurly Shield twice and outperformed England, Scotland, and Ireland.

He was part of the team that faced the British and Irish Lions in 1971, a match that was notably portrayed by the touring media as particularly violent.

During that match, Lions prop Sandy Carmichael suffered a broken cheekbone, yet Wyllie downplayed the idea that it was particularly brutal. “Ray McLoughlin and one of our players were having a bit of a scuffle. I stepped in, but McLoughlin swung around and accidentally broke my thumb,” Wyllie recounted in his final interview. “Ivan Vodanovich, the All Blacks coach back then, might have exaggerated a bit when he compared it to the Battle of Passchendaele.”

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Wyllie began his coaching journey as an assistant to Brian Lochore during the All Blacks’ victorious 1987 Rugby World Cup campaign.

He then took over as head coach from 1988 to 1991, achieving a remarkable 91 per cent success rate with 58 wins out of 64 matches.

At the 1991 World Cup, he shared the coaching box with John Hart—a partnership that proved to be less effective.

Hart, a corporate executive hailing from Auckland, clashed with Wyllie’s down-to-earth style, leading to incompatibility in their coaching methods. “We had very different manage styles,” Hart shared with Radio New Zealand. “That’s likely why our ’91 campaign wasn’t as successful as it could have been. But we shared a great deal of empathy for the sport and had similar views on selection and coaching.”

Wyllie was known for challenging his players while also fostering an enjoyable environment. “Coaching styles have evolved over the years, and I wonder how his approach would fare today,” Hart reflected. “Grizz was refreshingly straightforward, allowing players to know where they stood, and that quality was timeless.”

Wyllie’s decision to dismiss then All Blacks captain Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford in 1990 remains a controversial and pivotal moment in New Zealand rugby history, with ‘Bring Back Buck’ signs still appearing regularly at All Blacks matches.

Former All Black Warwick Taylor praised Wyllie as an “incredible” individual, remarking on his gruff exterior that hid a heart of gold.

NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson acknowledged Wyllie’s significant influence on the game. “Grizz Wyllie was a true giant in our sport—not just due to his play, but for the inspiration he provided to those around him. His larger-than-life character left a lasting legacy that will be remembered throughout New Zealand and global rugby.

“Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and the wider rugby community during this challenging time.”

NZ Rugby chair David Kirk, who captained the 1987 World Cup-winning team, also conveyed his condolences: “Grizz Wyllie represented everything that defines New Zealand rugby—strength, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. I remember him as a fierce competitor and an uncompromising player as well as a formidable coach. His loss is felt deeply within our rugby family.”