The chairman of the New Zealand Rugby union resigned yesterday due to health issues. Hobbs, a former All Blacks captain, was diagnosed this year with leukemia but, after undergoing chemotherapy, was found to be suffering from more serious non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Chief executive Steve Tew said Hobbs’ illness would require aggressive treatment over a longer period and, as a consequence, he had resigned from both boards.
Hobbs has been chairman of the union since 2002. He will be replaced by acting chairman Mike Eagle.