Posted on Mar 13, 2012 in NZ, SANZAR
Mike Eagle, New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Chairman has issued a statement:
“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of an incredible New Zealander.
“Our hearts and love go out to Jock’s wife Nicky, his children Emily, Michael, Penny and Isabelle, as well as his wider family.
“New Zealand has lost an inspirational leader with an incredible passion for the game of rugby and the part it plays in our lives.
“I know many New Zealanders will join us in expressing their sorrow at his passing.”
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew added:
“Rugby has lost a great friend. We will all miss his integrity, dogged determination and incredible sense of justice.”
The NZRU also issued a statement from Jock’s family:
“Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support we have received over the last week and in particular, express our gratitude to all the staff at Wellington Hospital that were involved in Jock’s care.”
The IRB has also issued a statement:
“The International Rugby Board is extremely saddened to learn that Jock Hobbs has passed away aged 52.
A great ambassador for the Game as a player and administrator, Hobbs played 21 times for his country – four as captain – between 1983 and 1986, scoring four tries. He later became Chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union and, in that role, he played a major role in securing the hosting rights for last year’s Rugby World Cup.
He served on the IRB Council as a New Zealand Rugby Union representative from 2002-2007. During his time on Council he was a member of the IRB Executive Committee and Chairman of the IRB Regulations Committee.
In all, he was Chairman of the NZRU from 2002 to 2010, as well as being Chairman of Rugby New Zealand 2011. He stood down from both roles in May 2010 due to illness.
Hobbs was present at the Rugby World Cup Final in Eden Park to witness Richie McCaw lifting the Webb Ellis Cup and, the following day, he won the prestigious Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service at the 2012 IRB Awards ceremony in Auckland.
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Jock’s contribution to New Zealand Rugby as a player and Chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union and to world Rugby as an IRB Council Member has been exceptional.”
“Among numerous highlights, he provided the vision, passion and leadership that secured New Zealand the right to host RWC 2011 and as Chairman of RNZ 2011 those qualities laid the foundations for a hugely successful tournament of which New Zealanders and the global Rugby family can be proud.”
“On behalf of the IRB and the global Rugby family, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Jock’s wife Nicky, his family and friends at this sad time.”
Michael James "Jock" Bowie Hobbs, CNZM (15 February 1960 – 13 March 2012) was a New Zealand rugby union player who was an All Blacks flanker who played in 21 tests between 1983 and 1986, with four tests as captain. In recent years he has been prominent in rugby administration. Between 2002 and 2010 he was chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union before standing down due to illness.
Jock Hobbs was born in Christchurch. He played in the first XV at Christ’s College in Christchurch, and was a regular first choice for Canterbury during from the 1981 season onwards, playing in the failed Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato. His test debut came in 1983 against the British and Irish Lions, where he was successor to Graham Mourie. Others that were possible replacements were Bruce Middleton, and Auckland captain at the time, Alwyn Harvey, but Hobbs played so well against the Lions that he was an automatic selection as All Blacks number seven for the next few seasons.
Hobbs was All Black captain on the short tour of Fiji late in 1984 when Andy Dalton was unavailable, and in the tour of Argentina in 1985 when Dalton was again unavailable. He took part in the 1986 Cavaliers tour to South Africa, before retiring in 1987 after a succession of concussions.
In 2005 Hobbs led New Zealand’s successful bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup and in the same year was named the Herald’s New Zealander of the year. Jock is the longest serving Chairman in NZRU history and his service to the game was recognized at the 2011 IRB and Steinlager Rugby awards where he received the Vernon Pugh award for Distinguished service and the Steinlager Salver award respectively.
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