Tributes are flowing for former New Zealand rugby union player Shayne ‘Rita’ Philpott.
Philpott died on Tuesday after suffering what The New Zealand Herald called a “medical event”, while messages from loved ones suggested it was a heart attack.
Philpott represented the mighty All Blacks on 14 occasions.
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The death of the loving father has been confirmed by New Zealand Rugby.
“It’s just unfathomable…,” one emotional tribute for Philpott said on social media.
“Shayne Philpott you have been the epitome of humbleness and decency. I will miss you at celebrations, with your great yarns and humour.
“I’m just so terribly sad we don’t get to say goodbye, and to thank you for being you. You are gone way too soon my friend. Rest in peace and love, you wonderful human xox.”
Another family member said on Facebook: “It is with a very heavy heart that we share the shocking news of Shayne Philpott’s passing today …
“A much-loved father and brother. Rest in peace brother.”
And another wrote: “With so much sadness I share that Shayne Philpott has passed away following a heart attack. A kind and loving best friend who will be missed and remembered every day ❤️.”
Philpott’s football journey started in Christchurch at Burnside High School from 1979 to 1983.
He then played for Canterbury (between 1986-1995) before being selected by the All Blacks.
He represented the powerful All Blacks line-up between 1988 and 1991, including the 1991 World Cup.
After his football career, he ran a landscaping company.
Philpott was not a superstar of his sport but made the most of his ability through hard work and grit.
“Philpott, or Rita as he was known, belongs to a group of men who have produced standards and aura which are the envy of the sporting world,” respected union journalist Wynne Gray wrote in 2011.
“We can all think of players we would not have chosen for the All Blacks, fringe contenders, bit-part internationals, those who lucked in through a variety of circumstance.
“His work for the All Blacks may have totalled less than an hour but he had reached the pinnacle of his sport.”