Daryl Lilley remembered after former Crusaders and Hurricanes back dies aged 52

Former rugby player Daryl Lilley has died aged 52, prompting tributes from his family and the clubs and communities he represented. His family announced his death in a social media post, saying the news had come as an enormous shock and that they were still trying to come to terms with it. They thanked people for their support and asked for understanding as they grieved. New Plymouth Old Boys Rugby Club remembered Lilley, known as “Flaza”, as a fierce competitor on the field and a good person away from it. The club said he would be remembered for his performances for NPOB, Taranaki and the other teams he played for. The New Zealand Rugby Players Association also paid tribute, describing him as a proud Taranaki man and sending its thoughts to his whānau, friends, teammates and community. Lilley played 84 matches for Taranaki between 1993 and 2003, with the union identifying him as its second-highest points scorer, behind Kieran Crowley. The versatile outside back also represented Canterbury and made 29 appearances for the Crusaders from 1997 to 1999, followed by 26 games for the Hurricanes between 2000 and 2002. He was part of the Crusaders side that won the first Super 12 championship in 1998. Lilley scored a key second-half try in the team’s 36–32 semifinal win over the Sharks at Lancaster Park, before the Crusaders went on to beat the Blues in the final. Both the Crusaders and Hurricanes issued statements mourning his death and acknowledging his contribution to their clubs. After his playing career, Lilley coached at New Plymouth Old Boys, Southern and Tukapa, and served as director of rugby at New Plymouth Boys’ High School. Taranaki Rugby said his influence extended beyond his time on the field and offered condolences to his family, friends and the wider rugby community.