The New Zealand rugby community is mourning the loss of former All Black and Maori All Black Norm Hewitt.
The hooker, who played nine tests for the All Blacks and 15 matches for the Maori All Blacks, passed away on Monday in Wellington, aged 55.
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New Zealand Rugby (NZR), the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board (NZMRB) and the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) made a joint statement mourning the loss of the rugged competitor.
NZR CEO Mark Robinson acknowledged Hewitt for his contribution to all levels of the game.
"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 a regular on the sidelines of club rugby, passionate about the provincial game and a proud All Black and Māori All Black. Our thoughts are with Norm's family and loved ones at this time."
New Zealand Māori Rugby Board member and former teammate Arran Pene added: “Norm was passionate both on and off the field. He loved his whānau, his rugby and the rugby community. Māori rugby mourns his loss, and our aroha is extended to the whānau. Moe mai rā e te tuakana”.
NZRPA CEO Rob Nichol paid tribute to Hewitt as a founding Board member of the association.
“Norm was highly influential in our establishment, and the opportunities and support provided for players to this day. Norm was a proud man, who loved his family and cared greatly for his friends. His impact within rugby, the wider community, and on the huge variety of people and organisations he helped over the years has been immense.
“We are proud of all Norm achieved, will be forever grateful for his inspiration and contribution, and will miss him. On behalf of the Players we send our deepest love and support to Arlene and the family. Rest in peace and love our friend.”
Hewitt debuted for his home province, Hawke's Bay, at 20 in 1988, going on to play 92 matches over seven seasons, including famous wins over the British and Irish Lions in 1993 and France in 1994.
He played 22 matches in three seasons from 1995-97 for the Southland Stags, including winning NPC second division player of the year in 1996 as Southland earned promotion back to first division.
Hewitt's third provincial side was Wellington, for whom he played 31 matches from 1999-2001, the highlight being leading the side in the NPC first division final of 2000 against Canterbury.
Hewitt came into the All Blacks as understudy to Sean Fitzpatrick in the 1993 Lions series and made the end-of-year tour squad later that year to Scotland and England. Over six seasons, Hewitt played 23 All Black matches, including nine tests.
He was also a stalwart of the Hurricanes and New Zealand Māori sides, often as the captain. He played in 66 Super Rugby matches and was in the Māori side for more than a decade.
Hewitt was also a foundational board member of the New Zealand Rugby Players Association and was instrumental in the association’s early work.