RIP Norm Berryman
The Crusaders are today remembering Norm Berryman as a wonderful team man who made his mark both on and off the field since making his debut in 1998. Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said the team and organisation would like to pass on their thoughts and prayers to the Berryman family at this very sad time.
Mr Riach said that Berryman was a legend in Crusaders country and someone who fans readily embraced because of the way he played – with flair and with his heart on his sleeve.
“Norm was with us for three seasons, won three titles, and left an amazing impression on everyone in the organisation that he met. He also made an instant connection with our fans because he was such a down-to-earth, likeable guy – with the most remarkable smile. He will be missed by the Crusaders and New Zealand rugby as a whole.”
Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder, who captained Berryman in the late nineties, remembers a man who was a true Crusader with an incredible positivity that rubbed off on all of those who knew him.
“Norm was a great player but more importantly just such a nice bloke. This news comes as a real shock to all of us who played alongside him. He was a man who loved playing footy and his attitude was infectious. Seeing that wide smile on his face every time he scored a try is a memory that will always be with me.
“He was a great team man, who always had time to tell a story, share a joke or sign an autograph for a fan. He was a real people person, who made a massive contribution to the Crusaders team of the day. Despite hailing from Northland, ‘Stormin’ Norman’ was a cult hero down here in Crusaders country and he will be very fondly remembered. My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends at this very sad news,” Blackadder said.
Norm Berryman played 30 games for the Crusaders after making his debut in 1998 against the Chiefs.
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