Ex-All Black Paul Sapsford dies after jet-boat mishap

A coroner will investigate the death of former All Black Paul Sapsford more than 12 hours after a "freak" jet-boating accident at Lake Ohau.

Sapsford, 60, was jet boating near the convergence of the Hopkins and Dobson rivers with his son-in-law when the boat hit a bank and came to an abrupt halt, Senior Constable Les Andrew said.

Sapsford was struck below the rib cage, but did not seek medical attention for his injuries, Andrew said.

The accident happened about 2pm on Monday.

Sapsford, who was camping with his family at Lake Ohau over the Christmas period, died of internal bleeding about 5am the following day. The incident will be investigated by the Christchurch coroner and an autopsy has been done.

Andrew said the death was the result of a "freak accident".

"The family said he should have gone to the doctor, but he chose not to," he said.

"He was in a bit of discomfort. His partner was with him and she gave him some medication."

Sapsford, a prop who played seven games for the All Blacks on the 1976 tour to Argentina, also played for New Zealand Universities from 1973 to 1976.

He played 86 games for Otago from 1973 to 1982. Otago Rugby Football Union president and Taieri Rugby Football Club life member John Kelly said he was "a delightful character".

"He was a happy character who enjoyed his rugby and being involved with rugby people," he said.

Family members and friends have paid tribute to a "larger than life character" who "lived every day as if it was his last". He is survived by daughter Amie Pont, 31, son Daniel Sapsford, 30, his former wife, Susan Harvey, and partner Christine McKay.

Pont said he was a "great dad".

"He loved the outdoors and had a plan and it was always full of adventure. He was very proud of his kids. He spoilt us rotten and was always trying to help us do well in life."

She said it was not surprising he had died following his passion for outdoor pursuits.

"It is not surprising. It is perfect that he was out doing what he loved doing and surrounded by the mountains. He loved Mount Cook. "We spent our whole life camping. Every Christmas.

"We would go bush for four weeks at a time."

Family friend John Kerr said Sapsford was much loved.

"He was a larger than life character. He was large in stature, humour and heart. He was a very high achiever, very family-oriented. He lived every day as if it was his last. Nobody had a bad word to say about him because he didn't judge."

- © Fairfax NZ News