A 'true gentleman of the game' is how NZC Match Referee and former Central Stags captain Richard Hayward is being remembered, following his passing at the age of 72 in Nelson this week.
Born in Middlesex, England, Hayward arrived in Nelson as a player-coach in the late 1970s at the age of 25 and quickly ensconced himself into the New Zealand cricket scene.
A stylish left-hander, Hayward earned the nickname ’Shots’ for his assertive and memorable stroke-play in a career that featured stints with Buckinghamshire (Minor Counties), and first-class counties Hampshire and Somerset in England; as well as notable Hawke Cup success with Nelson before debuting for the Central Stags in the summer of 1982/83.
Twenty-seven of his 50 first-class caps were for the Stags, and he also played 16 of his 48 one-dayers for Central Districts, featuring in a batting order that included the likes of Martin Crowe, Ian Smith, Derek Stirling, Gary Robertson, and Scott Briasco.
In his post-playing career, Hayward became Nelson's first full-time professional coaching director, before further coaching roles with Canterbury, and a return to Nelson Cricket as General Manager where he helped bring ICC Cricket World Cup matches to Saxton Oval in 2015.
In 2016/17 he joined NZC’s Officials panel as a Match Referee where his humility and knowledge of the game quickly made him a popular figure on the domestic scene right through to the 2025/26 season, when a recurrence of cancer curtailed his availability.
Across that time, he oversaw 43 first-class matches, including 37 Plunket Shield games, 47 men's and women's List A matches, 69 Super Smash fixtures, and 19 women's internationals.
NZC Chief Executive Geoff Allott said the game had lost a special person.
“He was a great man with a huge amount of passion for the game and the people who played it,” he said.
"He touched so many of us in different ways, and I know the joy he got from watching other people's successes over the years, and it's those sorts of people that leave lasting legacies.
"He'll be fondly remembered by a lot of people within cricket, and we're very grateful for everything he's done and the impact he's had on our game.”
NZC Head of Match Officials, Andrew Duncan said Hayward’s passing would be felt deeply across the cricket community, and especially within the match officials' network.
"Richard was an outstanding Match Referee whose success at the national and international level was built on meticulous preparation, professionalism and an exceptional understanding of the game,” Duncan said.
"While his contributions on the field were significant, it was the person he was off the field that made the greatest impression.
"Richard was a valued colleague, a trusted friend to many within our team, and someone whose warmth and genuine care for people will be greatly missed.
"We extend our sincere condolences to Sue and the entire Hayward family at this difficult time."
Hayward was made a Life Member of the Central Districts Cricket Association in 2019, alongside life membership of Nelson Cricket and the patronage of Wakatu Cricket Club.
Central Districts Cricket CEO Lance Hamilton said Hayward's warmth extended to everyone in the game, from international players to young club cricketers and grounds volunteers alike, and that he was "a true gentleman of the game, in every sense.”
The New Zealand cricket family extends its sincere condolences to Richard's wife Sue, and to his family, friends, and the many teammates and colleagues who will remember him fondly.