New Zealand Rugby has offered tributes to Andy Haden following his death today

NZR president Bill Osborne, an All Blacks teammate of Haden, says his stature and influence as a player was huge and he had immense respect from his teammates.

Osborne says along with his playing prowess, he remembers the way Haden looked after the young players in the All Blacks and players' rights.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson says Haden was one of the most recognisable figures in New Zealand Rugby both on and off the field.

One of his former All Blacks captain's Graham Mourie says Haden was ahead of his time in an amateur era.