New Zealand rugby has lost one of its all-time greats. 

Alex "Grizz" Wyllie MBE has died at the age of 80 after excelling as both a player and coach. 

Wyllie made 210 appearances for Canterbury as well as 40 matches for New Zealand, 11 of them tests.  

He coached Canterbury through a three-year Ranfurly Shield reign, famously ended by Auckland at Lancaster Park in 1985. 

Wyllie worked as an All Blacks assistant under Sir Brian Lochore before his own 86.2 percent winning tenure with them from 1988 to 1991. 

Former All Black and Wyllie’s nephew, Richard Loe told Mike Hosking he’s left his mark on the sport, and his history will continue for many decades to come. 

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