New Zealand Rugby
Lapasset hails Hobbs' contribution
ESPNscrum Staff
December 13, 2010
IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Rugby New Zealand 2011 chairman Jock Hobbs, Rugby World Cup 2011 One Year To Go celebrations, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, September 9, 2010
Bernard Lapasset (L) has praised Jock Hobbs' (R) contribution to world rugby © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Jock Hobbs | Bernard Lapasset
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IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset has praised Jock Hobbs' contribution to rugby after the former NZRU and RWC11 chairman stepped down from those roles last week to concentrate on his health.

Lapasset released a statement expressing his sadness at Hobbs' ill health but saying he is certain next year's World Cup on Hobbs' home turf will be a success thanks to the former All Black's dedication.

Hobbs was earlier this year diagnosed with a form of Leukaemia which required chemotherapy treatment over a six-month period, but soon after completing that treatment he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which will require a more aggressive treatment regime over an extended period of time.

"Jock's contribution to New Zealand rugby as chairman of the NZRU and to world rugby as an IRB council member has been considerable," Lapasset said.

"Amongst numerous highlights to date he provided the vision and leadership that secured New Zealand the right to host Rugby World Cup 2011 and as chairman of RNZ 2011 those qualities have underpinned planning and preparation that is on track and on target to deliver an exceptional tournament.

"While Jock will no longer be hands on in the day to day delivery of the tournament, his legacy remains strong and I am sure that his dedication will be rewarded with a tournament that will write another successful chapter in the Rugby World Cup success story and an event that all New Zealanders can be proud of."

Hobbs was elected chairman of the NZRU in 2002 and played a large part in New Zealand winning the right to host next year's World Cup.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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