A moment's silence will be held at this weekend's Super Rugby and Six Nations matches as a mark of respect for the former All Blacks captain and New Zealand Rugby Union Chairman Jock Hobbs, who passed away on Tuesday, aged 52.
New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises - the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders playing in New Zealand and the Blues in South Africa - as well New Zealand match officials, will mark their respect for Hobbs by wearing black armbands when they take to the field for round four of Super Rugby this weekend.
The Crusaders have a bye this weekend and they will wear black armbands at their first home game against the Cheetahs at the newly developed Christchurch Stadium next weekend.
The world champion New Zealand Sevens team will also wear black armbands when they play in the sixth leg of the IRB World Sevens Series in Hong Kong next weekend.
All Six Nations and SANZAR matches this weekend will all observe a moment's silence.
NZRU Chairman Mike Eagle says the heartfelt gestures recognised Hobbs' standing in world rugby.
The Hurricanes will also pay special tribute to former All Black and Poverty Bay administrator Richard "Tiny" White who also passed away recently.
Eagle says in recognition of the special place Jock had in many people's lives and hearts, condolence books had been opened for members of the public and rugby community to sign.
