Rugby: All Blacks legend Tiny Hill dies at age 92

Tiny Hill during a Super Rugby match in 2017. Photo / Photosport

The All Blacks wore black armbands for their World Cup Pool B clash against Canada in Oita last night, following the passing of Stan 'Tiny' Hill.

Hill, who played at lock or loose forward, died on Wednesday at the age of 92.

He made his All Blacks debut against the Wallabies in 1955, making 19 appearances and captaining the side twice. He also represented Canterbury and Counties at provincial level.

Hill spent his working life in the New Zealand Army and served in the J Force in Japan in 1948-49.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said the rugby community was mourning the loss of another All Black.

"We are very sad to hear of Tiny's passing, and we extend our warmest thoughts and condolences to his family."

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "On behalf of the All Blacks we would like to express our condolences to the Hill family in what is always a sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

"Tiny was a man who made a huge contribution to the game from the grassroots level right to the top. He was an All Black captain, an All Black Coach and also had a strong career in the military. He was an icon of our game both on the field and off and he will be remembered fondly by all."

After retiring as a player, Hill was a selector for New Zealand Army, Canterbury and the All Blacks.

Hill was regarded as one of the toughest players of his era and was famously dropped for the second test against the Springboks in 1956 for being "too physical" against the South African forwards when playing for Canterbury.

"One of the props jumped in the lineout and he punched me," Hill told 1 NEWS earlier this year.

"I gave this bloke two and dropped him and I walked away.

"They had the binoculars on me and saw that and said, 'we can't have that dirty bugger in the side,' so they dropped me!"