WELLIGNTON — Michael “Jock” Hobbs, a leading figure in New Zealand rugby who helped secure his country’s bid to host last year’s World Cup, died aged 52 yesterday after a long battle with cancer, his family said.
Hobbs captained the All Blacks four times during a 21-Test career, but was best known as an administrator, overseeing the World Cup bid that culminated in New Zealand ending a 24-year drought at the tournament in October.
“This was possibly his finest hour. Winning the trophy was certainly one of New Zealand’s finest hours,” Prime Minister John Key said, adding he was “incredibly sad” at Hobbs’ passing.
“Jock was a man whose determination drove him to many successes in his life. It was that determination that saw him wage war against his illness for a prolonged period.”
Hobbs, the brother-in-law of Wallabies’ coach Robbie Deans, was chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Rugby World Cup 2011 until 2010, when he stood down to concentrate on his battle with leukaemia.
In a statement issued through the NZRU, Hobbs’ family announced he died in Wellington Hospital yesterday afternoon.
“Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support we have received over the last week,” the statement said.
Hobbs presented Richie McCaw with a commemorative cap during the World Cup to mark the All Blacks’ captain becoming the first New Zealander to play in 100 Tests.
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He received his own honour a day after New Zealand’s 8-7 triumph over France in the final, when the International Rugby Board gave him an award for distinguished services to rugby.
NZRU chairman Mike Eagle hailed Hobbs as “an incredible New Zealander”.
“Rugby has lost a great friend. We will all miss his integrity, dogged determination and incredible sense of justice,” he said.
Hobbs, an openside flanker, broke into the All Blacks in 1983 and captained the side twice against Argentina in 1985.
