Former All Black Graham Williams has passed away.

The loose forward played 18 times for the All Blacks between 1967 and 1968, including five test matches and scored 16 tries for the All Blacks in 1967-68.

He also played an all-time record 174 matches for Wellington and nearly 200 club games for the Wellington Football Club.

He became Wellington's captain and went on to be a successful coach at NPC level.

 

Williams played in a number of the Wellington's most memorable matches, including the back-to-back successes over the Springboks in 1965 and Lions in 1966.

He was also in the team which ended several seasons of frustration in the Ranfurly Shield by being in the Wellington side which beat South Canterbury in 1974 in a successful challenge.

Wellington mayor Justin Lester paid tribute to Williams, who became a prominent businessman in the capital in the auto industry.

"Graham was a huge figure in rugby, and for many years was the pride of Wellington," Lester said.

"I understand Graham has not been in good health for some time but his death is very sad news for everyone who followed his career and came into contact with him in business."

Graham Williams would have turned 73 tomorrow.

 - additional reporting, NZN