Former Mako Billy Guyton passes away

Former Mako half-back Billy Guyton has died at 33.

Having retired from the game due to ongoing concussion symptoms at 28, he had since dedicated his pastime to building up the game of women's rugby.

Billy coached the Marist women's team to a premier grade title and had moved into a coaching role with the Mako FPC team.

As his role for the Mako expanded, Billy had recently stepped away from coaching the local game but was still a constant presence on the sidelines as a selector and talent scout.

A statement released by the Tasman Mako on Monday afternoon passed on the union's condolences to the Guyton whanau, friends and colleagues.

"Billy was a much-loved member of our whole Tasman Rugby team and had a positive impact on those he played alongside and coached. Billy has been a major contributor of women's rugby across our Tasman region."

It was a sentiment echoed by the Blues, where Billy played 24 games between 2016-17. He also made one appearance for the Hurricanes in 2014 and another for the Crusaders in 2015.

"We are shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Billy Guyton. He was a talented rugby player, who made 24 appearances for the Blues between 2016-2017. We cannot imagine the heartache his family and friends must be feeling at this difficult time. To everyone who knew Billy, we send them our sincere sympathy," they say in a statement.

The wider rugby community has already started banding together to remember the young and talented player, who made 52 appearances for the Mako and 29 appearances for North Otago.

While talking about his retirement from the game, Billy said winning the championship in 2013 with the Mako was a career highlight, as was winning the Heartland Championship with North Otago in 2010.

In 2016 Billy was selected for the Māori All Blacks’ tour of the northern hemisphere and was a member of the New Zealand Heartland XV at Fullback and Wing.

He was also a talented cricketer, plying his trade in the local premier grade as a dangerous bowling threat for ACOB over the summer.

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