What they said:

❚ ‘‘This is an incredibly sad day. I met him a few times and he was always keen to share a beer and have a yarn.’’ All Blacks captain Kieran Read ❚ ‘‘His achievements in the black jersey are part of the All Blacks legacy.’’ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen ❚ ‘‘Sir Colin is an icon of rugby and New Zealand. Uncompromising on the field, his exploits are that of folklore, while he was just as revered off the field.’’ NZ Rugby chairman Brent Impey. ❚ ‘‘To our friends, thank you for your love and care. The visits and phone calls were enjoyed by Colin and appreciated by us all. To those throughout the country who sent Colin best wishes, we thank you for your kindness.’’ The Meads family. ❚ ‘‘At events, he could always be found yarning away with them, taking personal interest in them and their families and carers. His mana, quiet powerful voice, stories and humour, always had entire audiences captured. And then he would go and mix with the guests. We always enjoyed watching people’s reactions. People just loved him.’’ NZ Rugby Foundation. ❚ ‘‘There will never be another one like him. It’s the end of an era.’’ Veteran photographer Peter Bush. ❚ ‘‘He was not only a great All Black but also a genuinely good New Zealand bloke. He represented what it means to be a New Zealander.’’ Prime Minister Bill English. ❚ ‘‘He wore his celebrity on a sound and sensible set of shoulders.’’ NZ First leader Winston Peters. ❚ ‘‘Off the field he had that ability to just mix with anyone. It was just the way he was.’’ Former All Blacks fullback Fergie Mccormick.