Legendary All Black Bruce Robertson has died.
The world class centre — one of many best gamers to play for each the All Blacks and his beloved province, Counties Manukau — died on Friday evening aged 71.
An announcement issued on behalf of his household mentioned he handed away “peacefully”.
The NZ Herald experiences he had fought a prolonged well being battle.
Considered by many as the best centre in New Zealand rugby historical past, Robertson was an enormous of the sport within the Nineteen Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties.
He performed 34 exams for the All Blacks between 1972 and 1981 and 102 matches in complete, whereas he represented Counties on 135 events and helped lead the aspect to their sole National Provincial Championship triumph in 1979.
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“We are terribly sad to hear of the passing of one of Counties Manukau’s greatest All Blacks,” Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union chief govt Aaron Lawton mentioned.
“Bruce was an iconic player and a true rugby servant. He leaves a lasting legacy at our union and would have been incredibly proud to watch his grandson Jadin pull on the hoops last year.
“We are working with his family now to confirm a service at Navigation Homes Stadium and will release details as soon as possible.”
Robertson is survived by spouse Nellie and was a father to Jax and Dion, Natalie and Tom, Shannon and Joe, and a grandfather to Jadin, Mya, Niko, Siena, Zara, Taylor, Pippa, Asher and Charlize.
His household mentioned in an announcement: “Bruce’s whanau would like to acknowledge and thank everyone for their love and support at this time.”
Robertson’s standing with Counties rugby is summed up by a public fan vote they beforehand ran searching for nominations for his or her finest ever gamers.
After followers had voted, the names had been handed over to a panel of consultants to make up an inventory of the highest 15 gamers to have performed for the province. Robertson was positioned in high spot.
“The brilliant centre of the 1970s and early 90s was ahead of his time. Silky skills, beautiful hands, pace and swerve and was someone that never seemed to play a bad game,” his quotation learn.
“Robertson made his Counties debut in 1971 at age 19 and would go on to play 135 games until his retirement in 1982.
“He played 34 test matches for the All Blacks from 1972-81 and was widely considered the greatest centre of all-time.
“The 69-year-old’s son-in-law Dion Kingi and grandson Jadin Kingi have gone on to follow in his footsteps and pull on the red, white and black jersey.”
Robertson’s All Black profession spanned 9 years; debuting in 1972.
He ended his check profession towards the touring Scotland staff in 1981, a choice which took him out of rivalry for the controversial 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand.
Robertson, together with then All Black captain Graham Mourie, each made themselves unavailable for the Springbok tour on ethical grounds. Robertson had toured South Africa with the 1976 All Blacks and after what he witnessed on that tour would participate in clashes towards the Boks once more.
Mourie mentioned two years in the past he believed different gamers had thought-about pulling out of the 1981 tour, however opted to play the Springboks out of concern of shedding their spots post-tour.
This article initially appeared within the NZ Herald and was reproduced with permission.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
