Former All Black Robert Kururangi Dies at 69 After Remarkable Journey in New Zealand Rugby

• Former All Black Robert Kururangi has died aged 69, with his passing prompting tributes from the New Zealand rugby community
• Kururangi enjoyed a memorable career that included an All Blacks tour, a historic Counties Manukau achievement and international rugby beyond Test level
• His contribution to Counties Manukau stretched across several seasons, with the former winger becoming an important figure in the province's rugby history

Former All Black Robert Kururangi has died at 69, ending the career of a player who represented New Zealand at the highest level and left his mark on provincial rugby.

Kururangi died on 30 September 2026, although no cause of death was given. News of his passing was followed by a tribute from Counties Manukau, where he became one of the province's respected rugby figures.

For South African rugby followers familiar with the importance of provincial competitions and the pathway to Test rugby, Kururangi's career offers a familiar story. He earned an All Blacks call-up during New Zealand's 1978 tour of the British Isles, playing eight matches and scoring four tries, although he did not feature in a Test.

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Kururangi's Counties Manukau connection

Newstalk ZB reports that Kururangi's biggest impact came with Counties Manukau, where he played 91 fixtures and scored 48 tries between 1977 and 1984.

His career included the province's historic 1979 NPC campaign. Counties featured fellow All Blacks Bruce Robertson and Andy Dalton that season as they secured their first and only first-division NPC title.

Counties Manukau honoured Kururangi before their Ranfurly Shield defence against Hawke's Bay, holding a moment's silence and wearing black armbands. The team went on to win 12-7.

The union described him as a respected member of its rugby whānau (family).

“Robert’s contribution to the Red, White and Black hoops will never be forgotten,” Counties Manukau said in a Facebook post.

A career beyond the All Blacks

Kururangi's rugby journey began at Gisborne Boys' High School before he moved north and played club rugby for Ardmore. He also represented the New Zealand Māori side during its 1982 tour of Wales and Spain.

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He later served in the New Zealand Army.

For South African fans, his story is a reminder that international rugby careers are not always defined by the number of Test caps. Kururangi never played an All Blacks Test, but his provincial record and contribution to Counties Manukau ensured he remained an important figure in New Zealand rugby.

Dave Rennie makes major All Blacks leadership change

Briefly News previously reported that Dave Rennie has made a significant change to the All Blacks leadership group ahead of their Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia.

Rennie has opted to move in a different direction with the captaincy after Ardie Savea's season-ending injury. The leadership decision comes as Rennie looks to strengthen the All Blacks ahead of a crucial period in their season.

Source: Briefly News