18 Mar 2012

Jock Hobbs farewelled at Wellington funeral

9:03 pm on 18 March 2012

About 1000 people gathered at Wellington's Old Saint Pauls Church on Sunday afternoon to farewell the former All Black Jock Hobbs.

The 52-year-old died on Tuesday after a six-year battle with cancer.

He played 21 tests for the All Blacks and served as captain in 1984 and 1985.

In 2005, when he was chairman of the national Rugby Union, he played a key role in winning New Zealand the hosting rights for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

But Mr Hobb's crowning achievement was arguably in 2005, when as chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union he played a key role in winning New Zealand the hosting rights for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

All Blacks captain, Ritchie McCaw, spoke about Mr Hobb's common sense approach, saying the NZRU chairman would put his boots on to join training sessions, once breaking a couple of ribs.

He told the congregation that Mr Hobbs had a mana within the team that is hard to put into words.

Wellington Phoenix Football team chairman Rob Morrison, a long-time friend of Jock Hobbs, says there was a softer side to the All Blacks great.

Mr Morrison told mourners that while he was highly competitive and not without a temper, Jock Hobbs was endlessly patient with fans and autograph hunters and had great empathy and humility.

Mr Hobbs' younger brother Peter told mourners that from an early age, Jock was determined to be the best he could be.

Peter Hobbs told mourners that his brother did everything with complete focus and determination and his attitude was "go hard or go home".

Large screens were set up outside so that mourners unable to fit into the church could watch the service.

Mr Hobbs is survived by his wife, Nicola, and their four children.