Tony Steel, a former All Blacks wing who played nine tests, has died in Hamilton aged 76.

Steel was a former National MP and spent 10 years as headmaster of Hamilton Boys' High School. Born in Greymouth on July 31, 1941, the West Coast Rugby Union today tweeted the news of his passing.

Steel played for the All Blacks between 1966-68 and was one of four players of the 1967 touring squad to Canada, Britain and France known to be suffering, or have suffered, from dementia. Steel was living in permanent care in Hamilton.

The others are Waka Nathan, 77, who has stage two Alzheimer's disease, Graham Williams, and Mac Herewini, who died after a series of strokes in 2014.

The Herald revealed the plight of the four players two years ago after a series of stories on the 1964 Taranaki Ranfurly Shield team, where five players have either died with or are suffering from dementia conditions.

Sad to hear that Greymouth born All Black Tony Steel has passed away today in Hamilton aged 76. Steel played wing in 23 matches including nine tests between 1966 and 1968. Love & thoughts go out to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/uHCDbZLPKZ

— West Coast Rugby (@RugbyWestCoast) May 4, 2018