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Former Blues, Crusaders and Hurricanes player Billy Guyton has died at the age of 33, leaving the world of New Zealand rugby in shock and mourning.
Guyton, who played as a halfback, was forced to retire in 2018, when he was only 28, because of ongoing concussion symptoms. The Timaru-born star also represented the Maori All Blacks, Tasman and North Otago during his respected career, and was recently working as an assistant coach for the Tasman women's team in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Guyton began his provincial rugby career in North Otago before moving to Tasman. Following brief spells with the Crusaders and the Hurricanes, whom he made one appearance for each, the halfback found success with the Blues.
In 2016, Guyton was called up by the Maori All Blacks for their tour of the northern hemisphere, where he'd earn a start against Irish club Munster. He also made an appearance as a substitute against English side Harlequins. Two years later, Guyton's career was ended prematurely due to symptoms of concussion.
The exact cause of his death is yet to be confirmed
Guyton, who played as a halfback, was forced to retire in 2018, when he was only 28, because of ongoing concussion symptoms. The Timaru-born star also represented the Maori All Blacks, Tasman and North Otago during his respected career, and was recently working as an assistant coach for the Tasman women's team in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Guyton began his provincial rugby career in North Otago before moving to Tasman. Following brief spells with the Crusaders and the Hurricanes, whom he made one appearance for each, the halfback found success with the Blues.
In 2016, Guyton was called up by the Maori All Blacks for their tour of the northern hemisphere, where he'd earn a start against Irish club Munster. He also made an appearance as a substitute against English side Harlequins. Two years later, Guyton's career was ended prematurely due to symptoms of concussion.
The exact cause of his death is yet to be confirmed