AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Hewitt, who passed on at age 55 after battling motor neuron disease, was a notable role model for the youth. He is renowned for his memorable haka standoff with England’s Richard Cockerill.
In a statement released by his family, the player was hailed for his contribution to society: “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,” read the statement.
