{{Short description|New Zealand rugby union player (1954–2025)}} {{Other people|Stuart Wilson}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox rugby biography | name = Stu Wilson | image = | caption = | full_name = Stuart Sinclair Wilson | birth_date = {{Birth date|1954|7|22|df=y}} | birth_place = Gore, New Zealand | death_date = {{Death date and age|2025|6|8|1954|7|22|df=y}} | death_place = Tauranga, New Zealand | height = 1.83 m | weight = 86 kg | position = {{Hlist|Wing|centre}} | repyears1 = 1976–1983 | repteam1 = {{nrut|New Zealand}} | repcaps1 = 34 | reppoints1 = 76 | repupdate = | provinceyears1 = 1975–1984 | province1 = Wellington | provinceapps1 = 89 | provincepoints1 = 216 | school = Wairarapa College }}
'''Stuart Sinclair Wilson''' (22 July 1954 – 8 June 2025) was a New Zealand rugby union player. He played as a wing or centre for Wellington from 1973 to 1983 and the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, from 1976 to 1983.<ref>{{cite book |last=Palenski |first=Ron |author-link=Ron Palenski |title=The essential All Blackography |date=2017 |publisher=Upstart Press |location=Takapuna |isbn=978-1-927262-94-8}}</ref> He was notably a member of the 1978 Grand Slam team that defeated all four Home Unions, and also captaining the New Zealand national team on the 1983 end of season tour.
==Early life== Wilson was born on 22 July 1954 in Gore,<ref>{{cite web |title=Stu Wilson |url= https://www.rugbydatabase.co.nz/player/index.php?playerId=6664 |publisher=Rugby Database |access-date=11 June 2025}}</ref> but moved to Masterton as a child and was educated at Wairarapa College where he excelled in athletics, cricket, golf, hockey, and tennis as well as playing 1st XV rugby. He also played under-20 and under-23 representative cricket for Wellington.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Stu Wilson a multi-talented sportsman |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360717089/stu-wilson-multi-talented-sportsman |work=Wairarapa Times-Age |via=The Post |access-date=11 June 2025 |date=10 June 2025 |first=Chris |last=Cogdale |archive-date=11 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250611033912/https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360717089/stu-wilson-multi-talented-sportsman |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Rugby career== In 1973 Wilson made the New Zealand Colts team and was coached by Jack Gleeson, who would later coach him in the All Blacks.<ref name="Wynne Gray">{{cite news |last1=Gray |first1=Wynne |title=Stu Wilson: 100 Greatest All Blacks – Video interview with Wynne Gray |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/100-greatest-all-blacks-stu-wilson/TAWRVYF2UPIXHXKLDCPXUV46DE/ |access-date=11 June 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=10 June 2025}}</ref>
Wilson debuted for New Zealand on the 1976 tour of Argentina, becoming All Black number 772.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2025 |title=Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson farewelled in Tauranga |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360723832/former-all-blacks-captain-stu-wilson-farewelled-tauranga |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=Stuff}}</ref> Wilson went on the end of season tour to Italy and France, scoring a try while playing against the latter.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 November 1977 |title=NZ win test |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-nz-win-test/174534026/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |location=Sydney, Australia |pages=34 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> He played in the tests at the Stadium de Toulouse (lost 13–18) and the Parc des Princes (won 15–3) and scored a try in the second test.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Gifford |first=Phil |date=8 June 2025 |title=Stu Wilson: All Blacks great remembered for tries, humour and unique style - Phil Gifford |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/stu-wilson-all-black-great-remembered-for-tries-humour-and-unique-style-phil-gifford/V2N35K42VNGTHHS6U5LK2OSLAI/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=10 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610074604/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/stu-wilson-all-black-great-remembered-for-tries-humour-and-unique-style-phil-gifford/V2N35K42VNGTHHS6U5LK2OSLAI/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 1978 Wilson was a member of the 1978 Grand Slam team which beat all four Home Unions.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Francis |first=Ben |date=13 June 2025 |title=Stu Wilson: Former All Blacks captain dies, aged 70 |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/stu-wilson-former-all-blacks-captain-dies-aged-70/L274WI2XXFB4NFB675OWKTULGA/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=9 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609042216/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/stu-wilson-former-all-blacks-captain-dies-aged-70/L274WI2XXFB4NFB675OWKTULGA/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored a try in the 13–12 win over Wales.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 November 1978 |title=Substitute McKechnie saves all blacks |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hull-daily-mail-substitute-mckechnie-sav/174514284/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Hull Daily Mail |location=Hull, England |pages=13 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> In June 1981, Wilson scored 3 tries against Scotland in the 2nd test of their New Zealand tour at Eden Park.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 June 1981 |title=Kiwi record as Scots crumble |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/hull-daily-mail-kiwi-record-as-scots-cru/174514609/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Hull Daily Mail |location=Hull, England |pages=22 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Against the 1981 South African tourists he scored a try in the 1st test at Lancaster Park (won 14–9) and in the 3rd test at Eden Park (won 25–22).<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 August 1981 |title=Aggro all round as Boks lose |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-post-aggro-all-round-as-boks-los/174514943/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Evening Post |location=Bristol, England |pages=6 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=13 September 1981 |title=Last-kick Kiwis |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-observer-last-kick-kiwis/174515203/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=The Observer |location=London, England |pages=19 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
In the Third test against the 1983 Lions, Wilson scored a try to equal the New Zealand record of 16 test tries held by Ian Kirkpatrick. In the Fourth test at Eden Park he scored 3 tries taking his total to 19.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=9 June 2025 |title=Former All Blacks captain Wilson dies aged 70 |url=https://www.reuters.com/en/former-all-blacks-captain-wilson-dies-aged-70-2025-06-09/ |access-date=14 June 2025 |work=Reuters |language=en}}</ref> Wilson captained the national team on the 1983 end of season tour during which the All Blacks drew 25–25 with Scotland but lost 9–15 to England.<ref>{{cite book |author1-link=Ron Palenski |last1=Palenski |first1=Ron |last2=Chester |first2=Rod |last3=McMillan |first3=Neville |title=Men in Black |edition=7 |date=2006 |publisher=Hodder Moa, Hachette Livre NZ Ltd |location=Auckland}}</ref>
Wilson formed a formidable combination with Bernie Fraser on the other wing for both Wellington and the All Blacks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goile |first=Aaron |date=9 June 2025 |title='Great tryscorer', 'great raconteur': Big-hearted All Blacks captain Stu Wilson had it all |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360716627/great-tryscorer-great-raconteur-big-hearted-all-blacks-captain-stu-wilson-had-it-all |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=The Post |archive-date=9 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609191653/https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360716627/great-tryscorer-great-raconteur-big-hearted-all-blacks-captain-stu-wilson-had-it-all |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=9 June 2025 |title=New Zealand Rugby mourns the passing of Stu Wilson |url=https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/new-zealand-rugby-mourns-the-passing-of-stu-wilson |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=New Zealand Rugby |language=en-NZ |archive-date=10 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610061932/https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/new-zealand-rugby-mourns-the-passing-of-stu-wilson |url-status=live }}</ref> Others regular team-mates for Wellington and the All Blacks were Allan Hewson at fullback and Murray Mexted at No8.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knowler |first=Richard |date=2 October 2020 |title=Ex-All Black Allan Hewson on his famous kick, history lessons and abusive fans |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/300120834/exall-black-allan-hewson-on-his-famous-kick-history-lessons-and-abusive-fans |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=Stuff}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Egan |first=Brendon |date=7 June 2025 |title=All Blacks legend Murray Mexted on that commentary gaffe, rugby today, and going behind the Iron Curtain |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360711656/all-blacks-legend-murray-mexted-commentary-gaffe-rugby-today-and-going-behind-iron-curtain |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=The Post}}</ref> Although usually a Wing he sometimes played Centre.<ref name=":4" /> Wilson scored: * 19 tries (76 points) in his 34 tests<ref name="Wynne Gray" /> * 50 tries (200 points) in all games for his country<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 June 2025 |title=Stu Wilson remembered: All Blacks star farewelled at funeral |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/564151/stu-wilson-remembered-all-blacks-star-farewelled-at-funeral |access-date=14 June 2025 |website=Radio New Zealand |language=en-nz}}</ref> * 54 tries (216 points) in 89 matches for Wellington<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
He was a key member of the Wellington team which won the 1978 and 1981 First division provincial rugby titles and the Ranfurly Shield in 1981.<ref name=":0" />
==Retirement and death== Although still in his prime, Wilson retired from the game in 1984 after a book about him and Bernie Fraser, ''Ebony & Ivory: The Stu Wilson, Bernie Fraser Story'', authored by Alex Veysey, was published.<ref>{{cite book |last=Veysey |first=Alex |date=1984 |title=Ebony & Ivory: The Stu Wilson, Bernie Fraser Story |location=Auckland, NZ |publisher=Moa Publications |isbn=0908570783}}</ref> At that time, rugby players were not allowed to profit from books about their rugby careers under strict amateurism rules, and Fraser and Wilson were banned from playing for seven years.<ref name="Wynne Gray" />
Following retirement, Wilson became a rugby and sports commentator, working on television and radio. This included co-presenting an American football programme on TV3.<ref>{{cite web | first = Peter | last = FitzSimons | date = 31 August 2002 | title = A boy, a dog and a blasted reporter | work = The Sydney Morning Herald | publisher = Fairfax Media | url = http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/08/30/1030508124438.html | access-date = 4 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | date = 20 October 2008 | title = Wilson welcomes Rocket Man back | work = TVNZ | url = http://tvnz.co.nz/content/2215850/2422001.html | access-date = 4 October 2010 | archive-date = 13 June 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110613234808/http://tvnz.co.nz/content/2215850/2422001.html | url-status = live }}</ref> He also worked as a real estate agent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://stats.allblacks.com/all-players/profile/Stu-Wilson-AB-772 |title=Stu Wilson |publisher=New Zealand Rugby |access-date=11 June 2025 |archive-date=9 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609163009/https://stats.allblacks.com/all-players/profile/Stu-Wilson-AB-772 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, Wilson began working part-time as an orderly at Tauranga Hospital, partly to "get out of the house" in his retirement, but also to give back to the hospital where he received a stent in a cardiac artery.<ref>{{cite news |first=Libby |last=Wilson |date=1 March 2021 |title=Former All Black Captain Stu Wilson Trains as Orderly at Tauranga Hospital |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/124391266/former-all-black-captain-stu-wilson-trains-as-orderly-at-tauranga-hospital |work=Stuff |access-date=11 June 2025 |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620050338/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/124391266/former-all-black-captain-stu-wilson-trains-as-orderly-at-tauranga-hospital |url-status=live }}</ref> Wilson's daughter, Livvy Wilson, is an accomplished sprinter and has medalled in the 100 and 200 m at the New Zealand Athletics Championships. She has won gold with the Auckland 4 × 100 metres relay team. As a member of the New Zealand women's 4 × 100 metres relay team, she has competed internationally and was in the team that broke the New Zealand record on 4 June 2022 at a pre-Oceania meeting at Mackay, Queensland.<ref>{{cite web|title=Weekly Round Up: 7 June|url=https://athletics.org.nz/weekly-round-up-7-june/|publisher=ANZ|date=7 June 2022|access-date=11 June 2025}}</ref>
Wilson died at Tauranga on 8 June 2025, at the age of 70. Former rugby teammate Murray Mexted had coffee with Wilson on the day of Wilson's death. Mexted said that Wilson was "just his normal self, chirpy with a spring in his step", hence the death was unexpected.<ref>{{Cite web |last=While |first=James |date=8 June 2025 |title=All Blacks and Wellington legend dies aged 70 |url= https://www.planetrugby.com/news/all-blacks-and-wellington-legend-dies-as-wallabies-great-pays-tribute-to-great-mate |access-date=8 June 2025 |website=Planet Rugby |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite news |date=8 June 2025 |title=Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson dies, aged 70 |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360716265/former-all-blacks-captain-stu-wilson-dies-aged-70 |access-date=9 June 2025 |work=Stuff |archive-date=9 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250609001011/https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360716265/former-all-blacks-captain-stu-wilson-dies-aged-70 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/new-zealand-rugby-mourns-the-passing-of-stu-wilson |title=New Zealand Rugby mourns the passing of Stu Wilson |date=9 June 2025 |website=New Zealand Rugby |access-date=11 June 2025 |archive-date=10 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250610061932/https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/new-zealand-rugby-mourns-the-passing-of-stu-wilson |url-status=live }}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://stats.allblacks.com/all-players/profile/Stu-Wilson-AB-772 Stu Wilson] at NZ Rugby * [https://www.rugbyhistory.co.nz/player/stuart-s-wilson Stuart Sinclair Wilson | New Zealand Rugby History] * {{IMDb name| 1020000}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, Stu}} Category:1954 births Category:2025 deaths Category:New Zealand international rugby union players Category:Rugby union wings Category:Sportspeople from Gore, New Zealand Category:People educated at Wairarapa College Category:Rugby union players from the Southland Region Category:Wellington rugby union players Category:20th-century New Zealand sportsmen Category:New Zealand rugby union commentators