Southern rugby community in mourning
This week the Southland club rugby community has been mourning the sudden death of 26-year-old father of two Regan Wilson.
The death of Marist's premier grade co-coach last Sunday has taken a toll on many players, coaches and administrators who have enjoyed the sport alongside Wilson.
The game between Marist and Pirates Old Boys scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed.
A funeral service to celebrate Wilson's life will be held this afternoon at the Ascot Park Hotel. The community are welcome to join the celebration of his life, and a livestream of the service online will be available.
As a teen, Wilson was a standout sportsman, especially in the athletics field.
He also represented New Zealand Māori in rugby at under-18 level, and was head boy at Central Southland College in 2016. Wilson maintained strong relationships within the college through his contributions to coaching and taking any opportunity to give back to CSC.
His name is littered throughout the athletic record books and he will also be remembered by the college for his leadership on and off the field.
Wilson, who grew up in Ohai, stopped playing rugby following concussion issues and moved into coaching.
He helped coach the CSC First XV, and the Midlands and Marist senior teams. Wilson has also coached Southland age-group representative teams.
Wilson was at club rugby last Saturday in his assistant coaching role with Marist when they beat Blues 24-7.
The Blues v Woodlands premier game will go ahead tomorrow at Woodlands, while the Eastern Northern Barbarians and Star match is on in Gore.
People can support Wilson's family — Bethany, Benji and Tui — through a Givealittle page. Funds will help with immediate needs, and to provide some stability as they begin to navigate life without him.
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