Kiwi rugby star found dead at just 33
New Zealand rugby player Billy Guyton has been found dead at the age of 33.
The death of the halfback player, who played for the Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes, was confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union.
"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 Tasman 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 whanau, friends and colleagues during this sad time.''
During his prolific career, Guyton also represented the Māori All Blacks, Tasman and North Otago, but it was his time playing for the Blues that had the biggest impact on his sporting career.
Guyton was a member of the Blues squad in 2016 and 2017, and played 24 Super Rugby games for the franchise.
Upon hearing of his death, the Blues said in a statement, "We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton... 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."
Guyton was forced to announce his retirement from playing in 2018, after concussion symptoms continued to impact his daily life.
After retiring, the Tasman union announced Guyton was working as an assistant coach with the women's provincial team, where he guided the Marist side to a title in the senior women's club competition.
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