The New Zealand Rugby Union says the death of Maori Rugby Board member Allan "Smiley" Haua, is a huge loss for the game.
Mr Smiley, who was highly regarded as an administrator, player, referee and coach, died on Tuesday at his home in Timaru after a long battle with cancer.
He played more than 100 provincial Maori games, coached for 22 years and was the chairman of Te Waipounamu Rugby Board.
Maori Rugby Board chairman Wayne Peters says Mr Haua gave a lifelong service to sport and community affairs with passion and enthusiasm, and his death will be widely felt by all those involved in rugby.
