Former Wallabies captain Sir Nicholas Shehadie dies aged 92

Sir Nicholas, the husband of former NSW governor Dame Marie Bashir, was remembered on Monday as "a truly great Australian" following his death in hospital on Sunday night.

Sir Nicholas Shehadie (centre) stands between the Barbarians captain Phil Waugh (left) and the Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock in 2009. Source: AP

Former S-B-S chairman, Sydney lord mayor and ex-Wallaby captain Sir Nicholas Shehadie (shuh-HAY-dee) has been remembered as a truly great Australian following his death at the age of 92.

The husband of former New South Wales governor Dame Marie Bashir held several distinguished positions, including the chairmanship of S-B-S and the New South Wales Rugby Union.

Sir Nicholas died in hospital on Sunday night.

He was appointed a knight bachelor for his service as Sydney's lord mayor between 1973 and 1975 and appointed a companion of the Order of Australia in 1990.

State opposition Leader Luke Foley posted a tribute to Sir Nicholas on Twitter (Mon).

Mr Foley said "Sir Nicholas Shehadie was a truly great Australian".