FORMER New Zealand rugby star Billy Guyton has died aged 33.
Tributes have poured in for the "much-loved" Guyton, who represented the Maori All Blacks.
He also played for Suuper Rugby sides Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes.
A statement from the Tasman Rugby Union said: "It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Billy Guyton (a 52 game Mako player, and recent coach of our FPC Mako team)
"Billy was a much-loved member of our whole Tasman Rugby Union team and had a positive impact on those he played alongside and coached. Billy has been a major contributor to the development of women's rugby across our Tasman region.
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"Our condolences and aroha are extended to Billy's whanau, friends and colleagues during this sad time.''
A Blues statement said: "We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton... we cannot imagine the heartache his family and friends must be feeling at this difficult time.
"To everyone who knew Billy, we send them our sincere sympathy."
And part of a Crusaders statement said: "Our condolences are with Billy’s whānau (family), friends and colleagues at this sad time. Once a Crusader, always a Crusader."
Guyton, who played as a scrum half, retired in 2018 due to concussion symptoms.
He was part of the Maori All Blacks' 2016 tour to the northern hemisphere, and features in games against Munster and Harlequins.
Guyton also served as an assistant coach with the Tasman women’s team.
