Phil Johnson: Rugby Legend Dies Suddenly at the Age of 59
- Rugby star Phil Johnson has reported passed away at the age of 59, with the cause of his death still not yet unveiled
- The former Southland player would be remembered for several remarkable things he achieved in the sport before his passing
- Rugby fans took to social media to share their condolences after hearing the news about Johnson's death
The rugby community is mourning the sudden death of former Southland player Phil Johnson, who earned 80 caps for the province and was just 59 years old.
Johnson passed away during the festive Christmas period, but the cause of his death has not been made public by the family or authorities at the time of writing.
Johnson was a central figure in Southland’s midfield during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and remained influential within the province’s rugby landscape after his retirement by transitioning into refereeing. He earned his first provincial cap in 1988 at the age of 22 and featured in Southland’s victory over Canada that same year.
The South African rugby community recently lost former rugby referee Max Baise, who died at the age of 93 and flanker Sive Tshaka.
Southland mourn Johnson's death
The Southland Tribune confirmed the death of Johnson on Facebook, remembering him for scoring at Rugby Park against the British & Irish Lions in 1993 and again in a subsequent contest against South Africa in 1994.
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He featured in one of Southland rugby’s most memorable triumphs in 1994, helping the side defeat Hawke’s Bay in the Division Two final at Rugby Park in Invercargill to secure promotion to Division One of the NPC.
His 80th and final appearance for Southland came in a tense 13–12 defeat to King Country at Rugby Park in 1995, a result that confirmed Southland’s relegation from Division One to Division Two in the NPC.
Beyond his significant contributions at the provincial level in the maroon jersey, Johnson also played a central role during a period of sustained dominance in Southland club rugby. He was a member of the Invercargill Blues side that claimed eight consecutive Galbraith Shield championships between 1987 and 1994—an achievement few have matched in the region’s rugby history.
Johnson’s legacy continues to resonate in Southland rugby, with many players citing him as an enduring influence on and off the field. Tributes from former teammates and rugby officials have poured in, describing him as a “humble warrior” and “pillar of the game”.
Scott Donaldson
A real unsung hero. That was a great try against Northland. I love the no nonsense celebration as well. He just ran back to halfway and got on with his business.
Nigel McCleery
Condolences, bloody good bloke, had the pleasure of his company on a cruise in fiordland and such great company.
Martin Smith
Great bloke and very easy to get on with. Shocked to hear this sad news given we are the same age! Played against him and really got to know through refereeing. RIP Phil.
Whānau
Devastating love and condolences to his family. Refs room will never be the same!!!
Deane McLeod
So sad .The best thing about Phil he was humble .I’ll tell you some day what he told me .Bloody good tennis players also .The Clifton club old members are bloody gutted excuse the pone .Say hi to inga mate loved every game of tennis played with you every game of rugby with and against most .Another stag gone to soon .I’ll never forget you my friend .Condolences to the Johnson family from the Mcleod family and the pirates rugby our McCaw the one Jackson let get away .Russell your brother knows what I mean
Rugby legend dies after cardiac arrest
Briefly News also reported that a rugby legend passed away at the age of 68, a few days after suffering cardiac arrest.
The rugby icon was unable to recover despite medical efforts to revive him after the cardiac arrest incident.
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Source: Briefly News
