Tane Norton

Rangitane Will Norton MNZM (30 March 1942 – 4 August 2023), commonly known as Tane Norton, was a New Zealand rugby union player. He played at the hooker position. He played for Linwood before he first represented Canterbury in 1969.^[1] In 1977, he captained the All Blacks to a series win over the British Lions and played three games for the World Invitation XV in South Africa.

Tane Norton

MNZM

Norton in 2017
Born	Rangitane Will Norton (1942-03-30)30 March 1942 Waikari, New Zealand
Died	4 August 2023(2023-08-04) (aged 81) Christchurch, New Zealand
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	87 kg (13 st 10 lb)
School	Methven District High School
Rugby union career
Position Hooker Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 1961– Mid Canterbury 1969– Canterbury 82 International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1969–1977 New Zealand Māori 1971–1977 New Zealand 27 (0)

In the 2006 New Year Honours, Norton was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to rugby.^[2]

Of Māori descent, Norton affiliated to Ngāi Tahu through his father.^[3] In 1973 and 1974, Norton was awarded the Tom French Cup for the outstanding Māori rugby union player of the year.^[4]

Norton died in Christchurch on 4 August 2023, at the age of 81.^[5][6]

See also

• 1977 British Lions tour to New Zealand