SaqFormer All Blacks hooker and reality TV star Norm Hewitt has died aged 55 after a battle with motor neurone disease, his family have announced.
The rugby union star played 23 times for the famous New Zealand team, including nine test matches, after making his debut in 1993.
Hewitt was famous for his fiery haka with England’s Richard Cockerill in Manchester in 1997, which has entered rugby folklore.
They came face to face in a tense pre-match confrontation that ended with the two players shoving each other.
Recalling the moment that followed, Hewitt said: “It was like there were only two people on that field.
“It was a big game and we were going to war and he was my enemy, the scenario was kill or be killed. I compared it to that and yeah, I guess it’s part of that folklore now.”
After retiring from rugby, Hewitt was active in community work as a youth mentor and anti-violence campaigner, and rose to fame for winning the first season of New Zealand’s Dancing With The Stars, a televised dance competition, in 2005.
New Zealand rugby coach Mark Robinson was among those to pay tribute to Hewitt, describing him as “uncompromising” on the field but “graceful” off it.
Mr Robinson said: “He was a regular on the club rugby field, passionate about the provincial game and proud to be an All Black and a Maori All Black. Our thoughts are with Norm’s family and loved ones at this time.”
Hewitt played 66 games for Wellington’s Super Rugby team and competed at provincial level for Hawke’s Bay and Southland.
His former teammate Ofisa Tonu’u said he was “devastated” by the news, adding “no more pain brother, you can now rest in love… I know the other boys will welcome you with open arms at the gates… Rest in love Normy.”
Carol-Ann Hickmore, the professional dancer who accompanied him on the show, said on Instagram: “RIP my friend, I had the time of my life with you and what a pleasure it was, great memories, rest easy big guy.”
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Former All Blacks manager Mike Banks, quoted in the New Zealand Herald, said Hewitt was “a totally committed player and through that commitment he achieved the ultimate goal of becoming an All Black”.
Hewitt continued to play with a broken arm for Wellington when they won the NPC final in 2000.
He is also credited with publicly confronting a drinking problem and helping others with their problems.
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