Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson has died, aged 70.

Wilson, who could play centre or wing, made 85 appearances for the All Blacks between 1976-83, including 34 tests, two of which he captained.

He made nine overseas tours, including that with the 1978 Grand Slam team which beat all four Home Unions. He was captain in all eight matches of the 1983 tour of England and Scotland.

For several years his test tries were an All Black record.

Born in Gore in 1954, Wilson would move up to Masterton and later represent Wellington at provincial level, where he played 89 matches, scoring 54 tries between 1975-84.

During his time, Wellington would win two National Provincial titles in 1978 and 1981, the latter year also saw them hold the Ranfurly Shield.

Bernie Fraser and Stu Wilson in 1992. Photo / Photosport

He controversially retired from all rugby in 1984, after he co-authored a book, Ebony & Ivory, with fellow All Black wing Bernie Fraser, which went against the governing body’s rules at the time.

After retiring, he went on to work as a television presenter and radio host, before also dabbling in real estate and working for charitable organisations.

In 2021, Wilson became an orderly at Tauranga Hospital after moving to the Bay of Plenty from Auckland three years earlier.

“I needed a job for a couple of days a week to get me out of the house and thought this could be it,” he said at the time.

Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson pictured in 2021. Photo / George Novak, NZME

New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk, who played alongside Wilson during the 1983 tour, said he would be deeply missed.

“Stu was one of the finest wings to have played the game and one of rugby’s most memorable characters. He took a light-hearted approach to life but was deeply passionate and serious about representing his country. At his best he was nearly unstoppable with the ball in hand and was respected by his peers and opponents across the world. We will miss him deeply and remember him fondly.”

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson paid tribute to Wilson.

“Stu was ahead of his time in the way played what was in front of him and beat defenders in multiple ways with his footwork, speed or kick ahead. His flair and joy for the game inspired a generation. In retirement he was a positive and respected public voice for rugby and continued to stay connected to both his club and his province. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Wellington Rugby CEO Tony Giles said Wilson’s legacy would live on through his feats for the province.

“Stu Wilson’s contribution to rugby in Wellington and New Zealand is immeasurable. He was more than just a world-class player; he was a proud ambassador for the sport, his province, and his country. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and the wider rugby community at this time. He will be remembered as one of the greats.”

Wallabies great David Campese also paid tribute to his former foe.

“When I started playing, Stu was the benchmark in world wing play. He was the man we all wanted to be – cocky, clever, blisteringly quick and brilliantly intelligent,“ Campese told Planet Rugby.

“As a player, Stu made rugby look easy and earned huge respect as captain in 1983. He had a swerve to beat anyone, extreme pace, intellect and power, able to break through tacklers, making him a try-scoring machine.

“I made my debut against him in 1982 in the Bledisloe in Christchurch and grabbed my first Test try against him. We became very great pals, playing together in invitation games. I still have his jersey from that first test match and it’s one of my most cherished possessions as he represented the standard I wanted to attain.”

“But it was off the field where Stu really entertained. His post-match career as a pundit and after-dinner speaker was hilariously funny and his tales would leave the audience rolling with laughter.

“I will never forget Stu. He was my benchmark, my adversary and also a lifelong mate who I endured as a brilliant opponent and enjoyed as a great mate. RIP my friend, the game is lesser without you.”

Former All Blacks No 8 Murray Mexted told Radio New Zealand he had a coffee with Wilson on the morning of his death.

“He was just his normal self, chirpy with a spring in his step, so it’s a hell of a shock.

“We called him Super Stu because he was a super rugby player,” Mexted said.

Labour MP Willie Jackson said on Twitter: “Man was he a champion, such a different style to other wingers. Incredibly elusive, but lethal. Loved watching him play! Neat guy too, great personality. Always friendly and up for a joke. All the best to his whānau.”

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.