Former All Blacks captain dies, aged 70

Wilson, one of the most electric finishers to wear the black jersey, made 85 appearances—including 34 test caps—for the All Blacks between 1976 and 1983, scoring 50 tries in total. A lethal combination of speed, skill and flair, Wilson was a standout in an era stacked with legends.

Born in Gore, Wilson burst onto the scene as a 22-year-old against a Buenos Aires selection before making his test debut in Toulouse against France. His dazzling footwork and instinctive try-scoring ability quickly made him a fixture in the national side.

He captained the All Blacks on their 1983 tour of the UK and shocked fans by retiring from international rugby just a year later, still in peak form. His 19 test tries stood as a New Zealand record until Sir John Kirwan broke it in 1988.

Off the pitch, Wilson was equally memorable—a sharp-witted, larger-than-life character who went on to enjoy a successful career in broadcasting.

Longtime team-mate and friend Murray Mexted was left reeling by the news, having shared a coffee with Wilson on the very morning he died.

“He was just his normal self—chirpy, upbeat, full of energy,” Mexted told RNZ. “It’s a hell of a shock. Stu was high spirited in the most wonderful way. You never had a dull moment with him. He lived with a smile and gave the game so much.”

Wilson’s legacy stretches far beyond his tries and test caps—he was a true character of New Zealand rugby, both on and off the field.