😭😭😭BREAKING NEWS! VERY SAD NEWS; NEW ZEALAND RUGBY PLAYER DIES

Great sadness’: New Zealand rugby player Billy Guyton dies aged 33

New Zealand rugby union has been rocked by the shock death of former player Billy Guyton at the age of just 33.

Billy Guyton of the Blues looks on during a Blues super rugby training session at Alexander Park on February 2, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Former New Zealand rugby player Billy Guyton has died today at the age of 33.

Guyton played as halfback for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes and also represented the Māori All Blacks, Tasman and North Otago during his career.

The NZ Herald reports he was recently working as an assistant coach for the Tasman women’s team in the Farah Palmer Cup.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Tasman Rugby confirmed his death in a post on social media.

“It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Billy Guyton (a 52 game Mako player, and recent coach of our FPC Mako team),” the union said in a statement.

“Billy was a much-loved member of our whole Tasman Rugby Union team and had a positive impact on those he played alongside and coached. Billy has been a major contributor to the development of women’s rugby across our Tasman region.

“Our condolences and aroha are extended to Billy’s whāanau, friends and colleagues during this sad time.”

Former New Zealand rugby player Billy Guyton has died. (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images)
Former New Zealand rugby player Billy Guyton has died. (Photo by Dianne Manson/Getty Images)
Billy Guyton of played for the Auckland Blues. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
The Blues said in a statement on social media: “We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton. He was a talented rugby player, who made 24 appearances for the Blues between 2016-2017.

“We cannot imagine the heartache his family and friends must be feeling at this difficult time. To everyone who knew Billy, we send them our sincere sympathy.”

A NOTE ABOUT RELEVANT ADVERTISING: We collect information about the content (including ads) you use across this site and use it to make both advertising and content more relevant to you on our network and other sites. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out.Sometimes our articles will try to help you find the right product at the right price. We may receive payment from third parties for publishing this content or when you make a purchase through the links on our sites.