New Zealand Rugby
Hobbs in critical condition
ESPNscrum Staff
March 8, 2012
Jock Hobbs is presented with the Steinlager Salvo for Contribution to Rugby at the NZRU awards, 2011 Steinlager Rugby Awards, Langham Hotel, New Zealand, December 1, 2011
Hobbs was celebrated for his contribution to rugby at the NZRU awards in December © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Jock Hobbs
Teams: New Zealand

Former All Blacks captain and New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs is in a critical condition after a deterioration of his leukaemia.

The 52-year-old, who was instrumental in securing the Rugby World Cup for New Zealand in 2011, is in the intensive care unit at Wellington Hospital. His family are gathering in their Wellington home, with his son, Blues Super 15 player Michael, leaving the Blues squad in South Africa to fly home.

"Michael got a call yesterday, Jock is in hospital in a serious condition, and he's flying home,'' Blues coach Pat Lam told the New Zealand Herald. Lam said the team's thoughts and prayers were with the family.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said in a statement: "Jock is currently in hospital and in a serious condition. All our thoughts and support are with Jock and his family.''

Hobbs led the New Zealand Rugby Union from 2002 to 2010, as well as being chairman of the World Cup organising body. But he stood down from both roles in May 2010 when he underwent chemotherapy for a chronic form of leukaemia, which he was diagnosed with more than five years ago.

The All Black flanker played 21 tests between 1983 and 1986.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices