Former All Black and Mosgiel dentist Paul Sapsford died from internal injuries 12 hours after a jet-boating accident near Lake Ohau, police say.
Mr Sapsford's death has been referred to the Christchurch coroner.
Senior Constable Les Andrew, of Twizel, was reported as saying Mr 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, stopping abruptly.
Mr Sapsford was struck below the ribcage, but did not seek medical attention for his injuries, Snr Const Andrew said.
"The family said he should have gone to the doctor, but he chose not to."
The accident happened about 2pm on Monday.
Mr Sapsford, who was camping with his family at Lake Ohau over the Christmas period, died of internal bleeding about 5am the following day.
An autopsy has been done.
Mr 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 John Hunter told the Otago Daily Times Mr Sapsford was "a delightful character".
A funeral for Mr Sapsford will be held at Campbell and Sons Chapel in Mosgiel at 1pm on Tuesday.
