Former Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes player Billy Guyton has died at the age of 33, leaving the world of New Zealand rugby in shock and mourning.
Guyton, who played as a halfback, was forced to retire in 2018, when he was only 28, because of ongoing concussion symptoms. The Timaru-born star also represented the Maori All Blacks, Tasman and North Otago during his respected career, and was recently working as an assistant coach for the Tasman women's team in the Farah Palmer Cup.
The cause of his death has not yet been revealed. Tasman Rugby, a team which Guyton represented 52 times, confirmed the news in a post on social media, saying: "It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Billy Guyton. Billy was a much-loved member of our whole Tasman Rugby Union team and had a positive impact on those he played alongside and coached.
