Jarrad Blackler out on the hills with his dogs. Photo / Supplied
Jarrad Ethan Blackler is being remembered as an ''ultimate rugby player'' for the Kurow club with a love of the hills.
Mr Blackler (23), from Danseys Pass, died from injuries received in a crash in the Hakataramea Valley at the weekend when, along with four other men and one woman, he was thrown out of a Toyota Land Cruiser.
He was flown by rescue helicopter to Dunedin in a critical condition about 12.15am on Sunday.
He never regained consciousness.
''Jarrad loved the hills,'' Mr Blackler's family said through police.
Mr Blackler, who attended Waitaki Boys' High School and played in the first XV, was a shepherd at Haldon Station.
Other interests included jet-boating and playing the guitar.
''We loved nothing more than when Jarrad joined his brothers and sister for a jam session,'' the family said.
He had returned to the family farm at Danseys Pass in November and his parents, Graeme and Rachel, were loving having him home, making plans for the future.
The family thanked all those involved with his care, both at the scene and in hospital.
They appreciated the ongoing support from family, friends and team-mates.
Their thoughts were with the other people involved in the crash and their families.
The family and friends would farewell Mr Blackler on Saturday.
The Kurow Rugby Club described Jarrad as ''the ultimate rugby player'', embodying what it meant to be part of a team.
He always did everything ''with a smile on his face and big bright eyes'', wanting nothing more than for team members to enjoy themselves and deliver the 2015 team plan.
''To say he will be missed is a massive understatement. Words cannot express how the team and our supporters are feeling,'' the club said in a statement through police.
His family would receive ''all the hugs and support they need'' and would always be part of the team.
Kurow was to play Old Boys in the Citizens Shield main match on Saturday at Centennial Park in Oamaru, but whether it went ahead would depend on the outcome of last night's practice and support meeting at Kurow.
Kurow rugby coach Kevin Malcolm did not want to comment on the result of the meeting.
The club's Facebook site had this tribute: ''A sad day for club and community as a true champion on and off the field has passed, rest in peace Jarrad we only had the pleasure of your company for a short time but you were a great man.''
Those commenting on the posting described the death as tragic and sad, extending their thoughts and prayers to Mr Blackler's family and friends.
At the time of the crash, Mr Blackler was travelling with a group of team-mates and supporters to visit friends.
The driver lost control of the vehicle, which rolled several times into a paddock. All six occupants, who were not wearing seat belts, were thrown out.
A 25-year-old man injured in the crash was last night still in a critical condition in Christchurch Hospital. His family are on their way from Britain to be with him.
The 39-year-old driver remains in a serious but stable condition in Dunedin Hospital.
A 22-year-old woman and 22-year-old man are being treated for moderate injuries in Christchurch Hospital and Timaru Hospital respectively.
A 38-year-old male passenger has been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.
Canterbury police investigations into the crash are continuing.