Former All Blacks captain and New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs has died.


Hobbs had been battling leukaemia since late 2009 and was admitted to Wellington Hospital last week in a critical condition. His family has released a statement saying "it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jock Hobbs this afternoon.

"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 52-year-old was influential in bringing the 2011 Rugby World Cup to New Zealand in his role as NZRU chairman and was chairman of the organising committee for the tournament.

In 2010 he resigned from the NZRU to focus on his health, but was involved with the tournament, presenting All Blacks Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina with their caps after playing their 100th Test matches.

Hobbs played 21 Tests for the All Blacks at flanker between 1983 and 1986 and was a stalwart for Canterbury throughout the 1980s.

Hobbs leaves behind his wife Nicky and four children - Michael, Penny, Isabella and Emily.