Former All Black Sid Going Dies at 80

Sid Going, who played 86 times for the All Blacks, including 29 tests, has passed away at the age of 80. Going died on May 17, 2024.

The news was confirmed by Northland Rugby on Saturday morning. Going had a distinguished career with North Auckland, playing 110 games for the province.

NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson expressed his sorrow, saying, “It’s incredibly sad to hear of Sid’s passing. He was a dynamic player and one of the greatest halfbacks in All Blacks history. He had immense pride in wearing the All Blacks jersey and representing New Zealand Māori, which greatly endeared him to fans. We send our condolences and aroha to his family and loved ones.”

Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson added, “Sid was a special player and man in our game. He lit up the field with his ability and energy. He lit up people’s hearts off it – that was his trademark.”

The Going family name is synonymous with Northland rugby and the Mid-Northern club. Sid’s brothers, Ken and Brian, also played for North Auckland, and 12 other family members followed in their footsteps.

Sid’s son Milton represented the All Blacks Sevens, while his other son Jared played Super Rugby for the Crusaders.

The Going brothers were famous for devising the ‘triple scissors’ backline move, used when all three played together for North Auckland.

Standing at 170cm and weighing 81kg, Going made his All Blacks debut against the Wallabies at Athletic Park in Wellington. He was part of the legendary 1967 side that went unbeaten on their tour of the UK and France. In 1968, he scored two memorable tries against France at Eden Park.

Going marked his last series with the All Blacks in 1977 with a famous try against the Lions at Athletic Park, retiring from international rugby at the age of 34.

A lifelong farmer, Going and his family were also deeply involved in the Church Of The Latter Day Saints. He became a bishop and served as the president of the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. In 2020, Going was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame at the Halberg Awards.