The former All Black captain Frank Oliver has been remembered as a tough player that comanded respect.
He died early on Sunday morning aged 65, but the cause of his death is not yet known.
After making his debut against South Africa in 1976, Oliver played 43 games for the All Blacks including 17 tests, and captained the side four times.
Between 1977 and 1979 he played 15 consecutive tests with locking partner Andy Haden who says he was surprised by Oliver's Passing.
Born in Dunedin, Frank Oliver played 64 games for Southland, eight for Otago and 54 for Manawatu.
He was the Hurricanes' inaugural coach from 1996 to 1999 before coaching the Blues in 2001.
His son Anton also captained the All Blacks.
