10 Rugby Players Who Died 2016

10 Rugby Players Who Died 2016

John Gwilliam

John Albert Gwilliam was one of Wales’s most distinguished rugby union figures, combining exceptional prowess on the field with a lifelong dedication to education. Born 28 February 1923 in Pontypridd, he won a scholarship to Monmouth School before reading mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he also earned two rugby “Blues” in 1947 and 1948. His studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served with the Royal Tank Regiment and saw action in Europe. After the war, Gwilliam resumed his rugby career with Cambridge University and Newport, going on to represent a remarkable array of clubs—including Edinburgh Wanderers, Gloucester, London Welsh, Llanelli and Wasps—and to win 23 caps for Wales between 1947 and 1954 without ever scoring a point. Selected almost by accident as captain in 1950, he led Wales to Grand Slam victories in the Five Nations Championship of 1950 and again in 1952, becoming the first Gloucester player ever to captain his country and cementing his reputation as a cool, tactically astute leader in the loose, particularly at No. 8 . Under his captaincy, Wales also secured their last win over the New Zealand All Blacks in 1953. Off the field, he was equally respected: after teaching at Glenalmond College, Cambridge and Bromsgrove School, he served as Head of Lower School at Dulwich College and then as Headmaster of Birkenhead School from 1963 to 1988, where he was remembered for his stern discipline and Christian principles. Married to Pegi Lloyd George with whom he had five children, Gwilliam retired to Llanfairfechan in Gwynedd and passed away aged 93, leaving a legacy as both a rugby icon and an influential educator.

Norm Hadley

Norman “Stormin’ Norm” Hadley was a towering figure in Canadian rugby and later in global finance. Born 2 December 1964 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Hadley stood 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) and weighed over 130 kg (287 lb), earning his nickname through a combination of sheer size and relentless physicality . He cut his teeth in British Columbia with James Bay and the UBCOB Ravens before embarking on a professional career in England’s club game, featuring for London Wasps and Bedford Blues in the early 1990s . Internationally, Hadley won 15 caps for Canada between 1987 and 1994, captaining the national side five times—including a memorable leadership display against England at Wembley in October 1992—and was instrumental in Canada’s run to the quarter‑finals of the 1991 Rugby World Cup . Off the pitch, he earned an M.B.A. from the University of British Columbia in 1991 and transitioned into finance, beginning as a eurobond broker with Cantor Fitzgerald in London and later moving into equity sales trading roles, ultimately serving as a managing director and head of sales trading for Deutsche Bank in Tokyo . On 26 March 2016, at the age of 51, Hadley was found dead in his Tokyo hotel room; Rugby Canada announced his passing as the result of an apparent heart attack, prompting an outpouring of tributes to his legacy as both a “mountain of a man” on the rugby field and a respected professional off it . His death marked the end of a life defined by extraordinary achievements in two fiercely competitive arenas.

Seru Rabeni 

Seru Rabeni (born Ratu Seru Rabeni; 27 December 1978 – 15 March 2016) was a celebrated Fijian rugby union centre and wing whose physical power and “bone‑crunching” tackling earned him the nickname “Rambo” at both club and international levels. After making his provincial debut for Lautoka in 1998 and starring for Suva in 2000, he moved to New Zealand to study at Otago University and broke into the Highlanders Super 12 side in 2003–04, tallying 11 appearances and 15 points. In 2004 he signed for Leicester Tigers, where over five seasons he amassed 63 Premiership caps, helped secure the 2007 title, and scored 90 points, before spells at Leeds Carnegie, Stade Rochelais and Mont‑de‑Marsan rounded out a distinguished club career. Rabeni earned 30 caps and scored two tries for Fiji between 2000 and 2011, playing pivotal roles in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups and representing the Pacific Islanders on three tours (2004, 2006, 2008). Beyond the pitch, he embraced coaching—first at Lindenwood University in the USA and later leading youth sides in Hong Kong—while pursuing a master’s in sports marketing. On the morning of 15 March 2016, Rabeni suddenly collapsed and died at his home in Nausori, Fiji; the coroner attributed his death to acute heart failure, likely precipitated by a viral cardiomyopathy that had manifested as flu‑like symptoms in the preceding months. He left behind a legacy of fearless play, mentorship, and inspiration for Fijian athletes worldwide.

Kurtis Taniela Haiu

Kurtis Taniela Haiu was born on 14 July 1984 in Whangārei, New Zealand, and educated at Sacred Heart College, where his exceptional physicality and work ethic first drew attention. Standing 1.95 m tall and weighing 108 kg, he represented New Zealand at secondary schools, under‑19 and under‑21 levels before making his provincial debut for Auckland against the touring British & Irish Lions in 2005. Over six seasons from 2005 to 2010 he amassed 62 appearances and 40 points in the Air New Zealand Cup, earning occasional captaincy duties and the admiration of teammates and fans alike. In 2006, Haiu made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues against the Hurricanes; between 2006 and 2011 he featured in 53 matches, crossing the try line five times and establishing himself as a reliable, lineout‑stealing lock whose uncompromising defence and tireless work rate underpinned many Auckland victories. Late in the 2011 Super Rugby season, at just 26 years old, Haiu was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer that abruptly ended his professional career and led to extensive treatment and remission efforts. Despite enduring multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery, he battled a relapse, demonstrating characteristic courage and humility and remaining an inspiration to the rugby community. On 13 April 2016, after a five‑year fight, Kurtis Haiu passed away in Manurewa at the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy defined not just by his on‑field achievements but by his steadfast resolve, kind spirit and the profound impact he made on and off the pitch. 

Anthony Foley

Anthony “Axel” Foley, one of the most revered figures in Irish rugby, was born on 30 August 1973 in Cashel, County Tipperary. A powerful and skilful No. 8 who could also operate as a flanker, Foley made his Munster debut in 1993 and would go on to captain the province in an era that saw Munster rise to European prominence. His club highlights included leading Munster to their first Heineken Cup final in 2000 and, most memorably, to the semi‑final in 2002 when they defeated Stade Français in Paris in a match still celebrated as one of rugby’s great nights. Internationally, Foley earned 62 caps for Ireland between 1995 and 2007, captaining his country on five occasions and being part of the squads that claimed Triple Crown victories in 2004 and 2006, as well as Ireland’s triumph in the 2006 Churchill Cup. After retiring as a player in 2008, Foley seamlessly moved into coaching, serving as Munster’s forwards coach before being appointed head coach in 2014. Under his stewardship, Munster returned to the knock‑out stages of the European Champions Cup and clinched the 2016 Pro12 title, their first league crown in nearly a decade. Tragically, on 16 October 2016, while in Paris preparing for Munster’s Champions Cup fixture against Racing 92, Foley collapsed at the team hotel and was later pronounced dead, leaving a profound void in the rugby world. Remembered for his fierce competitiveness, deep loyalty and the warmth of his character, Anthony Foley’s legacy endures in the hearts of teammates, opponents and supporters alike.

John Cannon

John Cannon was a Canadian rugby union centre whose powerful running and uncompromising defence made him one of Canada’s most respected internationals. Born 18 August 1980 and raised in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Cannon earned 31 caps for the national side between 2001 and 2007 and featured prominently in Canada’s 2003 Rugby World Cup campaign, including a starting role against the New Zealand All Blacks in Sydney, where his low, driving style and fearlessness underpinned a memorable performance against the world champions . At club level, he brought the same intensity to the English National Division One, representing Rotherham, Doncaster and Coventry between 2001 and 2007, and was twice named to the division’s All‑Star team in 2004 and 2005, earning plaudits as “perhaps the best centre outside the Premiership” . Cannon’s career was ultimately curtailed by a concussion suffered during an off‑field altercation in England, after which doctors ruled him unfit to continue playing, and he retired to pursue a career in financial planning and later coaching with the Abbotsford Rugby Football Club . Tragically, on 19 March 2016, at the age of 35, Cannon collapsed and died from a suspected heart attack; his passing sent shockwaves through the rugby community, prompting heartfelt tributes to “a beast on the field and a gentle giant off it” whose legacy endures in Canadian rugby lore.

Martin Roberts

Martin Roberts was born in Gloucester on 26 January 1968 and emerged from the city’s thriving schoolboy rugby scene—playing for Gloucestershire Schools and Cheltenham Colts—to make his senior debut for Cheltenham at just 17. After honing his craft at full‑back, where his reliable goal‑kicking and solid defensive play marked him out, he signed for Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 1989–90 season, scoring a try on his debut against Stroud on 5 September 1989 and eventually amassing 121 appearances for the Cherry and Whites between 1989 and 1998, alternating between full‑back and centre and notching over 250 points, including a standout 157‑point haul in 21 games during the 1992–93 campaign . Roberts was a key figure in Gloucester’s dramatic final‑day survival in 1996, helping secure a 17–10 victory over Saracens to avoid relegation, and he forged a celebrated midfield partnership with Don Caskie in the mid‑1990s that galvanized a largely local squad during the transition to professionalism . When the arrival of high‑profile internationals in 1997 limited his first‑team opportunities, he moved on to Moseley—captaining them to a crucial win over Worcester in April 1999—then to Pertemps Bees and finally to Cinderford, where he combined playing with backs‑coaching duties. Beyond the 15‑a‑side game, Roberts remained active on the veterans’ sevens circuit, touring globally and sharing his experience as a coach at Hereford and his alma mater, Chosen Hill School. In a shock to the rugby community, he died suddenly, aged 48, on 9 April 2016 after a coaching session at Chosen Hill, prompting a minute’s applause from the Kingsholm faithful before Gloucester’s next home fixtur.

Alastair Biggar

Alastair Gourlay Biggar was born on 4 August 1946 in Edinburgh and raised in Dalbeattie, where his family ran the local feed mill. Educated at St Mary’s School in Melrose, he developed into a powerful and agile back—standing 6 ft 2 in and weighing over 14 stone—whose combination of strength and speed marked him as one of Scotland’s most exciting wingers of his era . Biggar made his international debut for Scotland on 6 December 1969 in the famous “Ian Smith’s Match,” a 6–3 victory over the touring South Africans at Murrayfield. Between 1969 and 1972 he won 12 caps—11 on the wing and one at centre for his club, London Scottish—scoring his first try for Scotland in a 14–5 win against England in 1970 . A popular figure both on and off the field, he also represented the Barbarians—first in 1967–68 and again on their 1969 South Africa tour—and later built a successful career as a foreign exchange broker in the City of London.After a courageous battle with cancer, Alastair Biggar passed away peacefully on 6 February 2016 at his home in Cerne Abbas, Dorset, at the age of 69, surrounded by his family. He was the cousin of fellow Scotland international Mike Biggar, who later hailed him as “one of the most talented players” he ever shared a pitch with. Scottish Rugby and the wider rugby community extend their deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends .

Roddy Evans

William Roderick “Roddy” Evans was one of Wales’s most accomplished locks in the late 1950s and early ’60s. Born 19 December 1934 and raised in Porthcawl, Evans first made his mark playing for Porthcawl RFC before earning a Blue at Cambridge University, where he featured in the Varsity Match against Oxford while reading law . After returning to South Wales he represented Bridgend and Cardiff, and his towering line‐out work soon caught the eye of national selectors. Between 1958 and 1962 he won thirteen caps for Wales, making his debut in the Five Nations fixture against Ireland and playing in four Championship campaigns, though he never crossed the chalk for points . In 1959 Evans was selected for the British Lions tour to Australia and New Zealand, where he featured in all three Tests against the All Blacks and helped secure a 24–9 victory over the Wallabies in Sydney .Away from the pitch, Evans qualified as a solicitor and practised in his native Vale of Glamorgan. He married Sue, with whom he raised two sons, Nigel and Bas, and in later years took great pride in his four grandchildren: Skylar, Roddy, Sophia and Tabitha . Remembered for his gentle character, unwavering work ethic and mastery of the set‐piece, Roddy Evans passed away peacefully on 6 November 2016 at the age of 81, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Welsh rugby and the communities he served both on and off the field.

Brian Johnson

Brian James “Johnno” Johnson (26 June 1956 – 12 January 2016) was a celebrated Australian rugby league fullback and coach whose elegant running game and tactical nous left a lasting mark on both hemispheres. Born in Dapto, New South Wales, Johnson rose through the Illawarra ranks before earning selection for NSW Country Origin Firsts in 1978, a prelude to his pivotal move to the St George Dragons in 1979. In his debut season he scored the match‑winning try in the Dragons’ 17–13 Grand Final victory over Canterbury, underlining his reputation as a clutch performer . Over seven seasons with St George (1979–85) he amassed 149 first‑grade appearances and crossed for 54 tries, earning Dally M Fullback of the Year honours in 1980 .In 1985 Johnson signed with English side Warrington, quickly becoming a fan favourite by scoring 48 tries in 103 games between 1985 and 1988. Upon retiring as a player he was appointed Warrington’s head coach (1988–96), leading the Wolves to Lancashire Cup glory in 1989 and the Regal Trophy in 1990–91, and guiding them to the 1990 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in front of 77,729 spectators . ohnson’s post‑playing life was tragically overshadowed by an early‑onset battle with Alzheimer’s disease, to which he succumbed on 12 January 2016 at his Horsley home, aged 59. He is fondly remembered not only for his on‑field brilliance but also for his mentorship of young talent, and is survived by his devoted wife Karen and their two sons.