Poppy the goat, pictured with owner Stephanie Lee, left, and Counties Manukau Rugby chief executive Andrew Maddock in 2012, has died.

Poppy the goat, who became a good luck charm for the Counties Manukau Steelers rugby team, has died.

Counties Manukau Rugby Union posted about Poppy's death on their Facebook page.

"We've had some sad news overnight. Poppy our Steelers mascot passed away. We got this message from Stef - Sadly our family farewelled our rugby-loving goat last week."

The Facebook post also said Poppy was now, "in a spot where she can still overlook her favourite team."

Pukekohe resident Stephanie Lee, received Poppy as a gift from her partner, Mike Kaiwai in 2010.

Poppy shot to fame after being pictured on SKY TV, during a Steelers home game against Bay of Plenty in 2012.

Lee's house overlooks Counties Manukau's home ground. Poppy would be tied to a stump during games, wearing her Steelers jersey.

She became an unofficial mascot for the province, whose resurgence in form coincided with Poppy's arrival on the scene.

In 2012, Counties would go on to win the NPC Championship division and were promoted to the premiership division the next year.

History would be created in 2013, with Counties winning the Ranfurly Shield for the first time, and successfully defending it that season.

Counties Manukau Rugby operations manager, Dameon Chaney said Poppy would be sorely missed.

"She has been pretty popular, just to have feedback from all the other unions has been overwhelming, she's had an impact on our community."

Chaney said Poppy's entire family were proud Counties supporters.

"We just obviously want to thank the family for bringing her into the union, and showing her Counties colours."

Franklin Local Board Chairman, Andy Baker has been the ECOLight Stadium announcer for Steelers games since 2009.

He said Poppy was the most famous goat in world rugby, and would like to see another goat fill in her boots.

"Hopefully there will be a replacement, but we might need a junior sized jersey from "kids" rugby for a while."

However, Baker wasn't ready to say Poppy was the sole reason for Counties run of success.

"We made our own good luck, Poppy was just a great supporter and I never once heard her bleating when we lost."