Former New Zealand rugby union hooker Norm Hewitt, who had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, has died at the age of 55.

Hewitt made 23 appearances for the All Blacks, including nine Test matches, following his debut in 1993.

He played for Super Rugby side Wellington and Hawke's Bay, and Southland at provincial level, before becoming a community activist following his retirement.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said Hewitt was "uncompromising on the field but always gracious with his time off it".

Robinson added: "He was a regular on the sidelines of club rugby, passionate about the provincial game and a proud All Black and Maori All Black. Our thoughts are with Norm's family and loved ones at this time."

At a match at Old Trafford in 1997, Hewitt was involved in a famous stand-off with England's Richard Cockerill during the pre-game performance of the haka, with the two players going nose-to-nose.