All Blacks great, reality TV star dead at age 55

Tributes are pouring in for a larger-than-life All Blacks great after his family confirmed his tragic death on Tuesday.

All Blacks great Norm Hewitt has died at the age of 55.

The New Zealand cult hero lost his battle with motor neurone disease on Monday, his family confirmed in a statement.

The All Blacks No. 2 went on to become a larger than life figure and won the opening season of New Zealand’s Dancing With The Stars in 2005.

His family’s statement celebrated the life he lived.

“It with great sadness that the death of Norm Hewitt is recorded today,” Hewitt’s family said in a statement.

“Husband to Arlene, and father to his beloved children Elizabeth and Alexander, the former All Black and NZ Maori, Hurricanes and Wellington rugby captain passed away, in the company of his immediate family, in the early hours of this morning.

Norm Hewitt of the All Blacks. Photo: David Munden/Popperfoto via Getty Images.

“Norm had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Norm’s funeral arrangements are private and his family similarly ask for their privacy at this difficult time, so that that they might properly grieve their husband, father, son and brother.

“Although rugby dominated his early life, he established a thriving human relations consultancy after retirement, and his services were much in demand both nationally and internationally.

”He walked confidently in both Māori and Pākehā worlds and was a particular role model for troubled youth, citing his own background, and offering inspirational teachings that one’s present life need not be one’s future.”

His glittering rugby career was highlighted by Super Rugby final wins with the Hurricanes and 23 international appearance for his country.

Among his many memorable performances, Hewitt is remembered for his iconic stand-off with England’s Richard Cockerill in 1997 during the performance of the haka before a test match in Manchester.

Norm Hewitt goes for ball for the Wellington Hurricanes.

He is being remembered for the impact he had on the community as well as his football career.

He was a high profile anti-violence campaigner and an ambassador for the SPCA as an animal cruelty and anti-violence publicity officer.

Former teammate Ofisa Tonu’u posted a tribute on Facebook: “I’m just devastated finding out the news today.

“I will never forget how you always stuck up for me during the Black Tracker days when no one else would, you always look after all the players and we always followed you into battle... No more pain brother, you can now rest in Love.

“I know the other boys will be welcoming you with open arms at the gates... Rest in Love Normy.”

The official All Blacks account also shared a message on Twitter.

We are saddened by the loss of All Black #938 Norm Hewitt who passed away yesterday in Wellington.

Hewitt played 9 Tests and 14 Games between 1993 and 1998.

Our thoughts are with Norm’s family and loved ones at this time 🖤 pic.twitter.com/LgPQEXqEpt

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 16, 2024

Richard Hills also posted: “This is bloody sad. A sad way to lose a kiwi icon so young.

“He had a really rough childhood and upbringing and faced it and turned his life around to become not only a rugby legend but also helped others who’d been through similar issues.”

Friend Jason Pine posted: “Norm Hewitt was such a force for good.

“Opened his home gym at 5am every morning to anyone to work out or just have a coffee. Worked with SPCA to identify mistreated pets + the link to domestic violence. All Black, dancer, husband and father. A wonderful man. Rest well now, Norm.”

Originally published as All Blacks great, reality TV star dead at age 55