Julian Thompson finds his father Robert "Tommo" Thompson hard to describe but words such as loyal and driven, and the term "larger than life" spring to mind.
A former Māori All Black and Wallaby, Tommo died on Sunday, aged 71, after a short battle with cancer.
He was well-known inrugby circles and a loyal Kahukura Rugby Club supporter but for Thompson, he was simply "my dad".
"You couldn't ask for a better father.
"He was proud of all your sports and wanted you to be the best in all you did. He was pretty firm, he had his rules and you didn't break them."
The book Robert Thompson wrote last year. Photo / File
Thompson said, as a child in Rotorua, his family would often have people come to stay. At the time he didn't realise who they were but they were often former All Blacks and Wallabies.
"It was just common to have famous people at the house having a beer and talking rubbish with Dad, playing the guitar," he said.
"He's pretty hard to describe because he's a special man. He's the sort of guy that knew everybody.
Former Māori All Black and Wallaby Robert 'Tommo' Thompson has died. Photo / Supplied
"He fitted into all sorts of different groups ... He was all about having a laugh."
Tommo was born and bred in Rotorua and played for Kahukura Rugby Club from a young age.
He would train every day, regularly running up Mt Ngongotahā, even on Christmas Day.
"He was a pretty physical guy, pretty driven."
At 21, he pulled on the Māori All Blacks jersey but the following year his leg was broken during a game.
Robert 'Tommo' Thompson played 28 tests for the Wallabies. Photo / Supplied
"They said he'd walk with a cane and never play rugby again. He was devastated," Thompson said.
"That year he watched his best mate, Alan McNaughton, become an All Black."
Tommo shifted to Perth with his wife-to-be Jenny and walked around a field every day until he could walk properly. Then he started to jog, Thompson said.
He started to play rugby in Australia and was eventually chosen for the Wallabies after his team, Western Suburbs, played South Africa.
All up, Tommo played 28 tests for the Aussies before returning to Rotorua.
He continued to be involved with Kahukura Rugby Club, as a player, coach, manager and administrator.
"He would come and watch the seniors play even if they weren't doing well.
"He watched his grandsons play, he came down with his big chair every weekend," Thompson said.
"He was a larger than life figure. You can't comprehend how he affected people and how he inspired people. He's going to be hugely missed, not just by family."
Last year Tommo launched a book based on his time in both countries' colours. It was called A Bob Each Way.
Tommo leaves behind his children Julian and Alexi, daughter-in-law Dana, and four grandchildren.
His service will be held at Kahukura Rugby Club tomorrow .
ROBERT 'TOMMO' THOMPSON Born: Rotorua, March 8, 1947. Education: St Michael's Primary, Rotorua Intermediate, Boys' High. Family: Widower (wife Jenny), son, daughter, one granddaughter, three grandsons. Countries toured: New Zealand "Provincial sides in '72 Wallabies' tour.", South Africa three times, France, Fiji, Tonga, America, Canada "playing in a snowfall", Malaysia.
