13 Mar 2012

Jock Hobbs dies after battle with leukaemia

7:09 pm on 13 March 2012

The former head of the New Zealand Rugby Union Jock Hobbs has died.

He was 52.

Hobbs, who was also a former All Black captain had been battling leukaemia for the past few years was admitted to Wellington hospital last week.

Hobbs played rugby for Canterbury in the 1980s and played 21 Tests for the All Blacks between 1983 and 1986.

He captained the All Blacks for two overseas tours but retired after a series of concussions.

He became the NZRU's chairman in 2002 and, in 2005, led New Zealand's successful bid to host the 2011 World Cup.

He is survived by his wife Nicky and four children.