Ex-All Black Frank Oliver dies

Wellington - Former All Blacks captain Frank Oliver has died at the age of 65, his old provincial club Manawatu said on Tuesday, describing him as "a truly great rugby man".

Oliver played for the All Blacks 43 times from 1976-81, including 17 Tests, captaining the New Zealanders to a series win over Australia in 1978. His son Anton Oliver was also an All Blacks captain.

"He was one of New Zealand's tough men of rugby, both as a player and as a coach," Manawatu chief executive John Knowles said in a statement.

"The province will feel this loss immensely and our sympathy and condolences are extended to his family."

After hanging up his boots, Oliver had spells coaching the Wellington Hurricanes and Auckland Blues in Super rugby, bringing the same no-nonsense approach to the role that he displayed on the field.

The cause of death was not immediately known. Reports said he died in bed at home in Palmerston North on Sunday night.