NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Saturday, May 9, 2026.
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Tributes have poured in for former West Coast representative rugby player Blair Gavin “Mirf” Mirfin after his sudden death near Ikamatua on Friday.
Police confirmed yesterday a body was recovered from the Otututu/Rough River after a tractor was found overturned in the water.
Mirfin, 50, a Grey Valleyfarmer and rugby stalwart, was widely remembered on Friday as a larger-than-life figure whose influence stretched far beyond the field.
Blair “Mirf” Mirfin (far right) died in a tractor incident near Ikamatua on Friday. Photo / Facebook
The West Coast Rugby Union said Mirfin’s “character and camaraderie left a lasting impression on team mates and the wider rugby community”.
“A proud Grey Valley man, his passion for the game remains a defining part of his legacy,” the union said.
Mirfin represented Nelson Bays, Marlborough and the New Zealand Divisional XV, and wore the West Coast red and white hoops 26 times between 2009 and 2011.
A moment’s silence was held before senior rugby matches on the Coast today in his honour.
Blair “Mirf” Mirfin was a known stalwart in the rugby community. Photo / Facebook
Grey Valley Rugby Club described Mirfin as a “former club president, player, hard man and all round good bugger”.
The club said he was instrumental in reforming Grey Valley Rugby Club in 2008 and held numerous roles over the years, including player, manager, coach and president.
“His personality and passion for our club and the game drew in many players to the GV family,” the club said.
“His tireless efforts never went unnoticed and were truly appreciated by all.”
The club added Mirfin had been “a huge part of the Ikamatua & Grey Valley communities and will be sorely missed by so many”.
At Marist Nelson Sports Club, where Mirfin played from 1997 to 2001, he was remembered as “a tough, uncompromising prop forward on the field but big friendly giant of a man off it”.
The club said Mirfin came from a “farming and rugby loving family” in Ikamatua and attended Nelson College as a boarder, following in the footsteps of his older brothers Andrew and Nathan, who both played first-class rugby for West Coast.
Mirfin was part of Marist’s Division 1 championship-winning side in 2001 and amassed 86 first-class games across Nelson Bays, Marlborough, West Coast and the NZ Divisional XV.
Mirfin (centre) was widely remembered as a larger-than-life figure whose influence stretched far beyond the field. Photo / Grey Valley Rugby Club
“But [he] was much more than a rugby player,” the club said.
“He was a successful farmer and a loving father and great mate to many.”
Blaketown Rugby Football Club said Mirfin had been “one of our senior team’s biggest supporters”.
“His generosity, kindness and unwavering support touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the club said.
“He gave so much of himself, always quietly and without expectation and our club is better because of him.”
Across the tributes, thoughts were repeatedly extended to Mirfin’s partner Tori and children Lily and Max, as well as the wider Mirfin family and Grey Valley community.
Mirfin’s death will be referred to the coroner.
Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.
