Stu Wilson during his time as a rugby commentator for Sky Sport Photo: Photosport
Former All Blacks captain Stu Wilson had an energy that made him unforgettable, mourners were told at his Tauranga funeral.
All Blacks teammates joined family and friends at the service at Bethlehem Baptist Church this afternoon.
Wilson, 70, died peacefully in his sleep at his home last weekend.
Mourners heard of a vibrant personality, who had an innate ability to connect with people, as well as reaching the top of the rugby world, with his extraordinary ability as a player.
He played 34 tests for the All Blacks, with 85 games in all for the national side, scoring 50 tries, 19 of them in tests. He also played 89 matches for Wellington, forging a dynamic partnership with fellow winger Bernie Fraser.
Daughters Kristy and Livvy, New Zealand Rugby president Matthew Cooper and former Wellington and All Blacks teammate Murray Mexted were among the speakers at the service.
A family eulogy detailed a sporting career, with a young Wilson excelling in several sports, including rugby, cricket, golf and athletics.
He was born in Gore, but raised mostly in Wairarapa. In form two at Masterton Intermediate, he took part in the Wellington regional athletics champs, winning five titles - the 100m, 200m, 800m, high jump and long jump.
After leaving school, he tossed up between cricket and rugby as his main sport, choosing the latter.
Cooper, who also played for the All Blacks eight years after Wilson's retirement in 1984, recalled watching him play for Wellington College Old Boys in the 1970s, saying he was like a ''puppet master at the fair".
Stu Wilson played 34 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 19 tries. Photo: photosport
"They only needed a forward pack, a first-five and a halfback and Stu Wilson, and still would have cleaned up.''
Wilson was the "best rugby player on the planet'' in his prime, Cooper said.
"Beyond the statistics, beyond the commentary, beyond the tries and many highlights, Stu carried an energy that made him unforgettable. His half-glass-full personality, always with a smile, always bringing joy, was as much a part of his legacy as his talent as a rugby player."
Mexted said he had been good mates with Wilson for 50 years. On the rugby field, Wilson had a great feel for the game.
"He was an international rugby star and, as the years go by, we tend to forget about how good players were, but I will never forget how good Stu was.
"What I loved about him too was how much he appreciated people and how good he was to people that felt uncomfortable, and I saw examples of that throughout my years with him."
He said he had a coffee with Wilson the day before his death.
"He was so full of life, and he had this smile on his face and he had no inclination he was about to pass."
The family eulogy emphasised his ability to connect with and help people, with plenty of mentions of his recent job as an orderly at Tauranga Hospital.
"He will be admired for his talent, humour, humility and kindness. His big laugh, the glint in his eye, his fast stride and his constant smile.''
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