Canterbury Rugby Mourns the passing of Legend Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie

Alex Wyllie, Rugby union player for Canterbury, 1964-1979.

Photo credit: www.photosport.nz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alex 'Grizz' Wyllie, who left us peacefully on 22nd March. An icon of Canterbury, Canterbury Country and New Zealand Rugby, Grizz’s legacy spans both his legendary playing career and his remarkable work as a coach. His contribution to the game in New Zealand, especially in Canterbury, has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Grizz started his playing career at Glenmark Rugby Club and donned the Red & Black jersey for the first time in 1964. He went on to play 210 matches, serving as captain for over 100 of those games, until he hung up his playing boots in 1979.

In 1982 he returned to the Canterbury side as coach. His tenure was a successful one with the 1983 NPC title, wins against the British Lions and Wallabies and lifting the Ranfurly Sheild from Wellington and holding it for a record-equalling three years.

Grizz’s contributions at the top level of Rugby in New Zealand was also significant playing 40 matches for the All Blacks and following his time on the field he also coached and served as a selector for the national side. He also held various coaching roles in England, Ireland, South Africa and Argentina.

In the1986 New Years honours he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to rugby football and became a Life Member of Canterbury Rugby in 2019, a well-deserved recognition of his immense contribution to the game.

Canterbury rugby Board Chairman Mike Lay said “Grizz was a legend of Canterbury Rugby. His contributions as a player and a coach shaped the game in ways that will be felt for generations. He was a mentor to so many, a fierce competitor on the field, a man of no fuss whose passion for rugby was matched only by his love for the people around him. His passion, dedication, and love for the game will continue to inspire and shape generations of players to come. Our hearts go out to his family, and we are forever grateful for everything he gave to the game we all love.”

Our thoughts are with Grizz’s family, friends, and the wider rugby community during this incredibly difficult time. His loss will be deeply felt, but his impact on the game will never be forgotten and he will forever be remembered as one of the greats of the sport.