In the late 1940's Johnny Simpson (88) played as prop for the All Blacks. He was dubbed "Iron Man" after his first All Black debut in Australia in 1947 where his athletisism and strength saw him excel. He was also a player in the famed Kiwi army side who played in Britain and France after WW2 had ended, playing 18 of the 33 matches. His rugby playing career ended at the early age of 28 after he suffered a serious knee injury in the thrid of three tests against the British Lions. However he went on to coach, assisting the Auckland side from 1953-1963. By 1964 he bought the Paraparaumu Hotel and shortly after became the president of the Wellington Hotel Association. He is survived by his wife and four children.