Former All Blacks coach Watson dies

ByReuters

Published 28/03/2017 at 04:19 GMT+1

WELLINGTON, March 28 (Reuters) - Former All Blacks coach Eric Watson died at the weekend, New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday.

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He was 91.

Watson also had a long spell in charge of the Otago provincial side and the Junior All Blacks, which included a famous victory over the All Blacks in 1973.

He spent two seasons with the All Blacks in 1979-80 and stepped down after a 23-3 victory over Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.

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"It is with real sadness that we mark the passing of Eric Watson," New Zealand Rugby Chairman Brent Impey said in a statement.

"Eric made a huge contribution as head coach of the All Blacks, Junior All Blacks and Otago and was a big part of rugby for a long time.

"He remained a stalwart supporter of rugby after retiring, continuing to turn out on the sidelines for many years."

(Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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