New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs has resigned to focus on his health.
Mr Hobbs took leave in May this year after being diagnosed with a form of leukaemia.
He has now been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which will require a more aggressive treatment regime over an extended period of time.
Hobbs was also chairman of the New Zealand Rugby World Cup organising committee.
The NZRU says it wishes Mr Hobbs and his family the very best for this stage of his treatment.
It also acknowledged the enormous thanks owed to him for his service to rugby in his time as chairman which began in 2002.
The NZRU board has elected Mike Eagle as chairman.
