All Black great Andy Haden dies
FORMER All Black Andy Haden – a towering lock credited with helping drag rugby union into the professional era – died aged 69 on Wednesday after battling cancer.
Haden played 117 matches for the All Blacks from 1972-1985, including 41 Tests, making his debut in the series win against the British and Irish Lions in 1977.
He went on to become a fixture for the All Blacks in a dominant period for the New Zealanders, with respected rugby writer Bob Howitt describing him as “a lineout exponent without peer in international rugby”.
“Overseas teams regarded him as the chief obstruction to be overcome before victory against New Zealand could be considered,” Howitt wrote.
An uncompromising, winat-all-costs player, Haden had an entrepreneurial streak off the field that often led to clashes with rugby officials determined to preserve the game’s amateur status.
His stated goal was to become “rugby’s first millionaire”, an ambition strengthened by stints playing club rugby in France and Italy in the 1970s, where top players expected to earn a living from the game.
NZ Rugby president Bill Osborne, a former All Blacks teammate, said Haden commanded immense respect.
“Most people will remember the way he dominated the lineout as a tower of strength,” Osborne said.
“But I also remember the way he looked after the young players coming into the All Blacks, and how he advocated for players’ rights both during and after his playing career.”