Daryl Lilley death, Digi Mart USA News: Former Crusaders, Hurricanes and Taranaki back Daryl Lilley has died, aged 52. His death was confirmed in a Facebook post by the New Plymouth Old Boys’ Rugby Club.
“The NPOB community sends their love and thoughts to the family, friends and loved ones of Daryl ‘Flaza’ Lilley who passed away last night,” the club said. “He will be remembered for his legendary exploits on the field for NPOB, Taranaki and all the teams he represented.”
The club described Lilley as “a fierce competitor on the grass while being a genuinely good bugger off it.”
Taranaki Rugby also paid tribute to Lilley, a New Plymouth Boys’ High School old boy who played 84 games for Taranaki between 1993 and 2003. He scored 779 points, second behind Kieran Crowley on the province’s all-time scoring list.
“His impact on Taranaki rugby went well beyond his playing days,” the union said in a social media post. “Daryl coached at New Plymouth Old Boys, Southern and Tukapa, and was Director of Rugby at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, passing on what he knew to the next generation.”
Lilley also had a stint at Canterbury, helping them win an NPC title in 1997, and won a Super 12 title with the Crusaders in 1998. He played for the Hurricanes from 2000 to 2002.
“The Crusaders whānau mourn the loss of Crusader #36 Daryl Lilley,” the franchise said. “We thank you for the contribution you made to the jersey.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
