New Zealand rugby star dies aged 33 – five years after he was forced to retire from the sport with concussion complications
- Former Super Rugby star Billy Guyton died aged 33 on Monday
- Guyton played for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes in Super Rugby
- He also played for Tasman 52 times and represented the Maori All Blacks
The world of New Zealand rugby has been left in shock by the sudden death of Billy Guyton, who passed away on Monday aged 33.
The halfback, who played for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes in Super Rugby, was forced to retire in 2018 because of concussion symptoms.
Tasman Rugby announced Guyton’s death with a post on social media.
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), it said.
‘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.
Former Super Rugby star Billy Guyton died prematurely on Monday at the age of 33
‘Billy has been a major contributor to the development of women’s rugby across our Tasman region.
‘Our condolences and aroha are extended to Billy’s whāanau, friends and colleagues during this sad time.’
Born in South Canterbury, Guyton’s career at a provincial level began with North Otago where he represented the province between 2010 and 2012.
He moved to Tasman the following year and made 52 appearances between 2013 and 2017.
Having made a single appearance for the Crusaders and the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, he joined the Blues in 2016 and played 24 times for the franchise across two seasons.
In the same year, he was also selected for the Māori All Blacks’ tour of the northern hemisphere, where he started against Irish rugby giants Munster and featured as a substitute against English club Harlequins.
Guyton played for the Blues, Hurricanes and Crusaders in Super Rugby
The halfback played 52 games for Tasman between 2013 and 2017, before retiring in 2018
‘We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton,’ the Blues said in a statement.
‘He was a talented rugby player, who made 24 appearances for the Blues between 2016-2017.
‘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.’
Last year, Guyton started working as an assistant coach with the Tasman Union women’s provincial team and guided the Marist side to a title in the senior women’s competition.