Tane Norton receiving his All Blacks cap in 2009. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former All Black captain Tane Norton has died.
He was 81.
He played 34 games for the All Blacks, including 27 tests.
Norton, a hooker, debuted in 1971 against the British and Irish Lions.
He captained the All Blacks nine times including the home series win over the British and Irish Lions in 1977.
Norton played 82 games for Canterbury and was a regular in the Māori All Blacks.
Norton was president of New Zealand Rugby in 2003.
"Tane epitomised everything that's great about rugby. He was a leader of men on and off the field and was universally respected," said NZR chief executive Mark Robinson.
"As a player, he was tenacious, powerful player who set a high standard for the team to follow, and was a hugely popular and successful captain of the All Blacks," said Robinson.
"His passion for the game continued following his playing career, giving back to his beloved Linwood club... he was a fantastic ambassador for rugby who has made an immense contribution to the game and will be dearly missed."
-RNZ