Rangitane Will Norton MNZM (30 March 1942 – 4 August 2023), commonly known as Tane Norton, was a New Zealand rugby union player. He played at the hooker position. He played for Linwood before he first represented Canterbury in 1969.[1] In 1977, he captained the All Blacks to a series win over the British Lions and played three games for the World Invitation XV in South Africa.

Tane Norton
Norton in 2017
Birth nameRangitane Will Norton
Date of birth(1942-03-30)30 March 1942
Place of birthWaikari, New Zealand
Date of death4 August 2023(2023-08-04) (aged 81)
Place of deathChristchurch, New Zealand
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight87 kg (13 st 10 lb)
SchoolMethven District High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1961– Mid Canterbury ()
1969– Canterbury 82 ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1969–1977 New Zealand Māori
1971–1977 New Zealand 27 (0)

In the 2006 New Year Honours, Norton was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to rugby.[2]

In 1973 and 1974, Norton was awarded the Tom French Cup for the outstanding Māori player of the year.[3]

A New Zealander of Māori descent, Norton was a New Zealander of Ngāi Tahu descent.[4]

Norton died in Christchurch on 4 August 2023, at the age of 81.[5][6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Preece, Kate (29 May 2012). "Legends of the club". Avenues Magazine. Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  2. ^ "New Zealand New Years Honours 2006". Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. 1 January 2006. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  3. ^ Chapman, Grant (4 August 2023). "Rugby: Former All Blacks captain, NZ Rugby president Tane Norton dies, aged 81". Newshub. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Ex-All Blacks warriors Tane Norton and Bill Bush honoured with carving". Stuff. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Former All Blacks captain Tane Norton dies, aged 81". Stuff. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  6. ^ "Rangitane Norton obituary". The Press. 5 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
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Sporting positions
Preceded by All Blacks Captain
1977
Succeeded by
Awards
Preceded by Tom French Memorial
Māori rugby union player of the year

1973, 1974
Succeeded by