Rugby Union Mourns Passing of All Blacks Great Sid Going
The rugby world is in mourning following the passing of legendary All Blacks scrum-half Sid Going at the age of 80. Known affectionately as “Super Sid”, Going represented New Zealand in 29 internationals and 57 games between 1967 and 1977, including five as captain, and scored 10 tries at Test level.
Going’s impact on the game extended well beyond his illustrious international career. He played 110 matches for North Auckland, now known as Northland, and the provincial union paid tribute to their cherished icon, saying:
“Together, from Te Kao to Mahurangi, from our North Auckland days and across the country, we will respectfully mourn his passing, but also remember all that he has given to our game of rugby.”
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson led the tributes, describing Going as “a dynamic player and one of the greatest halfbacks in All Blacks history” who had an “immense pride in wearing the All Blacks jersey and representing New Zealand Māori.”
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson echoed these sentiments, stating that “Sid was a special player and man in our game” who “lit up the field with his ability and energy” and “lit up people’s hearts off it.”
The Going Legacy
The Going name is synonymous with Northland rugby, with Sid and his brothers Ken and Brian playing pivotal roles in the province’s Ranfurly Shield-winning displays during the 1970s. Sid represented Northland 43 times, while Ken also earned All Blacks honors in 1974.
Apart from his exploits at the provincial and international level, Going also proudly donned the New Zealand Māori jersey over a 12-year period and was awarded the prestigious Tom French Cup on three occasions. He retired from first-class rugby in 1978 and later coached Northland from 1993 to 1996.
As the rugby union community comes to terms with the loss of one of the game’s true giants, the enduring legacy of Sid Going’s remarkable career and the indelible mark he left on the sport will continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike.
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