Publications
Partners
Wellington - Former New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chairperson Jock Hobbs is critically ill in Wellington Hospital.
According to the Stuff.co.nz website, Hobbs, who has been battling leukaemia for more than two years, was admitted to Wellington Hospital on Wednesday.
He is in critical condition in the intensive care unit this evening.
His son Michael Hobbs has flown back from South Africa to be with his father.
Michael Hobbs would probably have started for the Blues against the Bulls on Sunday morning, but Blues coach Pat Lam, said the player chose to fly back to New Zealand when he received a call from home this week.
“Michael received a call on Wednesday,” Lam said from South Africa.
"Jock is currently in hospital and in a serious condition, so he has flown home to be with his dad and family.
"All of our thoughts and prayers are with Jock and his family.”
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew put out a statement, but declined to comment further.
His statement read: "Jock is currently in hospital and in a serious condition. All our thoughts and support are with Jock and his family who have asked that media please respect their privacy at this time."
In 2010, Hobbs stepped down as chairperson of NZRU and Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 Limited to concentrate on his health.
At the time International Rugby Board chairperson Bernard Lapasset described his contribution to New Zealand rugby as "considerable".
"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 chairperson of RNZ 2011 those qualities have underpinned planning and preparation that is on track and on target to deliver an exceptional tournament," Lapasset said.
Hobbs was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia and then non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
According to the Stuff.co.nz website, Hobbs, who has been battling leukaemia for more than two years, was admitted to Wellington Hospital on Wednesday.
He is in critical condition in the intensive care unit this evening.
His son Michael Hobbs has flown back from South Africa to be with his father.
Michael Hobbs would probably have started for the Blues against the Bulls on Sunday morning, but Blues coach Pat Lam, said the player chose to fly back to New Zealand when he received a call from home this week.
“Michael received a call on Wednesday,” Lam said from South Africa.
"Jock is currently in hospital and in a serious condition, so he has flown home to be with his dad and family.
"All of our thoughts and prayers are with Jock and his family.”
NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew put out a statement, but declined to comment further.
His statement read: "Jock is currently in hospital and in a serious condition. All our thoughts and support are with Jock and his family who have asked that media please respect their privacy at this time."
In 2010, Hobbs stepped down as chairperson of NZRU and Rugby New Zealand (RNZ) 2011 Limited to concentrate on his health.
At the time International Rugby Board chairperson Bernard Lapasset described his contribution to New Zealand rugby as "considerable".
"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 chairperson of RNZ 2011 those qualities have underpinned planning and preparation that is on track and on target to deliver an exceptional tournament," Lapasset said.
Hobbs was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia and then non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
