Former New Zealand rugby union hooker Norm Hewitt has handed away on the age of 55 following a battle with motor neurone illness.
Hewitt performed 23 matches for the All Blacks, together with 9 Exams, after making his debut in 1993.
He engaged in a fiery stand-off with England’s Richard Cockerill whereas performing a haka forward of a recreation in 1997, with the gamers shoving one another.
Hewitt later recalled: “It was like there were only two people on that field. It was a big game and we were going to war and he’s my enemy, kill or be killed scenario. I likened it to that and yeah, I suppose it is now part of that folklore.”
Hewitt performed domestically for Tremendous Rugby facet Wellington and at provincial degree for Hawke’s Bay and Southland, whereas he turned an anti-violence campaigner after retirement.
New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson stated: “I played against Norm as a young player, and he was uncompromising on the field but always gracious with his time off it.
“He was an everyday on the sidelines of membership rugby, passionate in regards to the provincial recreation and a proud All Black and Maori All Black. Our ideas are with Norm’s household and family members presently.”
