Cheryl Smith: key obituary facts
Is Cheryl Smith dead? Yes. Cheryl Smith died on October 11, 2026, at age 56.
Cause of death: Cheryl Smith's cause of death was reported as Bowel cancer.
What was Cheryl Smith known for?
She was a New Zealand rugby union player, coach and administrator.
More about Cheryl Smith
Born: 12 May 1970.
Place of birth: Whangārei.
Gender: female.
Occupation: rugby union player, rugby union coach, rugby union executive.
Nationality: New Zealand.
Awards: Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Career ended: 2002.
Also known as: Cheryl Moana Waaka, Cheryl Waaka, Cheryl Moana Smith.
Cheryl Moana Smith, a New Zealand rugby union player, coach and administrator who represented Auckland and the national team, died of bowel cancer on October 11, 2026, aged 56.
Born Cheryl Moana Waaka in Whangārei on May 12, 1970, she played as a flanker or number 8. Smith made her international debut against England at Burnham on August 13, 1997.
She went on to be part of the New Zealand teams that won the Rugby World Cup in 1998 and 2002, the year her playing career ended. In 2005, she became the first woman in Northland to coach a senior men’s club rugby team. Her career in the sport also included work as a coach and administrator, extending her involvement beyond her time as a player. Smith was a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Her career included representation at both regional and national level, from Auckland rugby to the New Zealand side, alongside later coaching and administrative roles.