An immensely powerful winger in both union and league, John Kirwan is best known for his playing exploits for Auckland and the All Blacks, for whom he scored 35 tries in 63 tests and won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. His 70-metre solo try against Italy remains one of the best scores in tournament history.

Kirwan won 96 caps as an All Black between 1984 and 1994 and played a key role in the team's 23-test unbeaten run from 1987-90. In total, he scored a record 67 tries for the All Blacks and 199 first-class tries.

Having retired from playing, Kirwan went on to hold the head coach position with Italy and then Japan, who he led to two Rugby World Cups before returning to New Zealand to take up a post with the Blues in Super Rugby.