Tributes are streaming in on social media following the death of former All Blacks lock and legendary rugby-man Andy Haden. He was 69.
Diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2003, Haden lost a long and protracted battle with the illness at his home early on Wednesday morning. He only recently returned home after having received critical in-hospital palliative care.
Haden play more than 100 games for his country and also played for Auckland at provincial level, as well as for Ponsonby at club-level. The rugby legend was a manager right down to his very last fibre, and even represented supermodel Rachel Hunter during her early career just starting out on the catwalk.
Haden in 1972, during a tour against New York Metropolitan, played that year in the Big Apple, put in his inaugural appearance as a guest member of the formidable All Blacks. He was but a youthful 21 years old at the time. It would be 5 more years before Andy Haden would make his test debut as a full-blown member of his beloved New Zealand All Blacks – against a touring Lions side. The former lock played his final game for New Zealand in 1985 and retired from playing professionally one year later.
Prolific Aussie player David Campese described Haden’s legacy as one that will forever remain a significant and important part of the history of the All Blacks and of world rugby. And former Springboks World Cup forward Schalk Burger Snr wrote a moving tribute to him as having been a feared and passionate player on the field, and a good friend away from it.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Betway |  | 5/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Picklebet | | 4.9/5 | Login to see promotions | Bet now |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now |
More About Trent Wilson
Trent Wilson is OnlineBetting.nz’s resident sports news expert. He draws on his extensive sporting knowledge, his qualification in sports management and his passion for betting to provide the latest, most up to date information on sporting events in New Zealand and across the globe. Trent is a veritable treasure trove of sports information and has been betting online for several years. He prides himself in keeping his readers informed, and in always offering an unbiased standpoint that reflects exactly what’s going on in the sports world.
View Posts - Visit WebsiteYou May Also Like:
All Blacks Apologise For Careless Post
New Zealand’s All Blacks have now issued an apology for a controversial social media post made in support of International Women’s Day. The post applauded the wives of the team’s players for their support, but at the same time also featured a player who had assaulted his partner. An international ….
SA Set To Join Six Nations After 2025
The South African Springboks are reportedly open to joining the Six Nations after 2025 – this as a major overhaul of the global rugby calendar remains in motion. Brokers of the game are due to meet next month in order to finalise plans for a biennial global competition, and it ….
Kevin Gourdon Announces Early Retirement
France forward Kevin Gourdon has been forced into early retirement by a heart problem. Gourdon, who is 31, once accused the All Blacks of cheating. He’s known to have played some of his best rugby against New Zealand. According to the Frenchman, who confirmed his condition and decision to retire ….
Glenn Moore Says He Welcomes Inquiry
Black Ferns coach Glenn Moore has at long last broken his silence following serious allegations made by Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate. According to the player, she had suffered a serious mental breakdown as a direct result of comments made by Moore during last moth’s norther tour. Ngata-Aerengamate’s allegations include that of ….
Former Tonga Halfback Taniela Moa Dies
Former Tonga and Blues halfback Taniela Moa has died. He was only 36 and is understood to have died after a sudden medical event on Thursday morning. Born in Tonga, Taniela played 58 matches for his province between 2005 and the present day, while also helping his team to two ….