Billy Guyton dead: Rugby star who played for Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes dies aged 33
New Zealand rugby star dies aged 33 – five years after being forced to retire from sport with concussion
- Former Super Rugby star Billy Guyton passed away on Monday at the age of 33
- Guyton played for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes in Super Rugby
- He also made 52 appearances for Tasman, representing the Maori All Blacks
The New Zealand rugby world has been shocked by the sudden death of Billy Guyton, who passed away on Monday at the age of 33.
The halfback, who played for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes in Super Rugby, was forced to retire in 2018 due to concussion.
Tasman Rugby announced Guyton’s death with a social media post.
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Billy Guyton (a 52 game Mako player and recent coach of our FPC Mako team), it said.
‘Billy was a much loved member of our whole Tasman Rugby Union team and had a positive influence on those he played and coached with.
Former Super Rugby star Billy Guyton passed away on Monday at the age of 33
Billy is pictured with his daughter shortly before his retirement
“Billy has made a significant contribution to the development of women’s rugby in our Tasman region.
“Our condolences and aroha are extended to Billy’s whāanau, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”
Born in South Canterbury, Guyton began his career at provincial level with North Otago, representing the province between 2010 and 2012.
He moved to Tasman the following year and made 52 appearances between 2013 and 2017.
After making one appearance for the Crusaders and the Hurricanes in Super Rugby, he joined the Blues in 2016 and made 24 appearances for the franchise over two seasons.
The same year he was also selected for the Northern Hemisphere Māori All Blacks tour where he started against Irish rugby giants Munster and played as a substitute against English club Harlequins.
Guyton played for the Blues, Hurricanes and Crusaders in Super Rugby
The halfback made 52 appearances for Tasman between 2013 and 2017 before retiring in 2018
“We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton,” The Blues said in a statement.
He was a talented rugby player, making 24 appearances for the Blues between 2016 and 2017.
“We cannot imagine how much grief his family and friends must feel at this difficult time. To everyone who knew Billy, we send our sincere condolences.’
Last year, Guyton began working as an assistant coach with the Tasman Union provincial women’s team and led the Marist side to a title in the senior women’s league.