Former All Blacks Captain and NZRU head Jock Hobbs critically ill in hospital

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/6546788/Former-All-Black-Jock-Hobbs-critically-ill

Jock Hobbs was a pretty good openside and ABs skipper before concussion forced him to retire. And in late 1995 he possibly saved southern hemisphere rugby by persuading the Sean Fitzpatrick's All Blacks not to defect on mass to Kerry Packer's World Rugby Corporation and instead sign professional contracts with the NZRU.

His last public appearance (I think) was carrying the ball out to start the opening match of RWC 2011.

Part of a Canterbury rugby dynasty, Hobbs is brother-in-law to former team-mate and current Wallabies coach Robbie Deans. His son Michael was drafted by the Blues from the Wellington Lions and has been starting for the Auckland franchise in Super Rugby this season.

Very, very sad. No age at all to be facing this.

Very sad.....Hobbs is a hero in my eyes - the man who saved NZ rugby as we know it

Sad news.

More than a 'pretty good openside' kiwi. I remember a TV interview with Italy captaion Marzio Innocenti during the 87 WC. He said ' If God created rugby player, he created Jock Hobbs'

goneagain wrote:Sad news.

More than a 'pretty good openside' kiwi. I remember a TV interview with Italy captaion Marzio Innocenti during the 87 WC. He said ' If God created rugby player, he created Jock Hobbs'

I was going for typical Kiwi understatement with that line.

If Hobbs hadn't retired in 1986, Michael Jones wouldn't have been the star of the 87 RWC.

That's true of course. Series of concussions forced his hand wasn't it ?

goneagain wrote:That's true of course. Series of concussions forced his hand wasn't it ?

Yep.

Hobbs lifting "Bill" at Eden Park would have been a very different picture to David Kirk and Andy Dalton doing it.

Awful news, poor bloke

The respect shown for Hobbs was demonstrated admirably when he presented Richie and Mils with their centurion caps.

Not many people remember Jock Hobb´s crucial role in the period after the 1995 RWC staving off a rebel bid and protecting AB rugby as we know it. A fine player but an even finer administrator of the game who was acknowledged in the New Year´s list but not enough in my opinion.

My sympathies to his son who has flown back from SA where the Blues were camped and to his family at large. From personal experience, I know how difficult these times can be. Top bloke. Hang in there Jock.