Lions legend Sir Ian McGeechan with Warren Gatland on the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour. Photo / Getty Images
Legendary former British and Irish Lions rugby player and coach Sir Ian McGeechan has been rushed to hospital after collapsing in the Sky Box at Westpac Stadium today.
An ambulance spokeswoman confirmed they were called to the scene at 3.48pm for a man who had collapsed at the stadium.
McGeechan, 70, was taken by ambulance to Wellington Hospital in a moderate condition.
Westpac Stadium chief executive Shane Harman said he was not there at the time of McGeechan's collapse, but said he understood McGeechan was "okay".
Sir Ian's daughter said her dad had been suffering from a bug and would be fine. He was able to walk to an awaiting ambulance.
He has also been involved in coaching Lions teams in six tours, including four as head coach, between 1989-2009.
Nicknamed 'Geech', he was knighted in the 2010 New Year's Honours list for services to rugby. Previously he had been awarded an OBE in 1990.
Well wishes for Sir Ian's health have begun flooding in on social media.
"Crikey . . . hope the outcome is a good one and he can watch his boys," Helen Black wrote on Facebook.
"Oh no, that is shocking. I hope he gets the best medical treatment and recovers quickly," said Pam Rush.
Others chimed in with their comments of "God bless", and "hope all goes well".
"Thoughts with Sir Ian McGeechan; few rugby identities are revered globally like him," tweeted Sports Freak.
"Fingers crossed for a quick return to health for Sir Ian McGeechan. A gentleman & the ultimate "Mr Lions," came another tweet from Brian Ashby.
Irish rugby commentator Michael Corcoran said on Twitter his understanding was that Sir Ian was able to walk to the ambulance, but was taken to hospital for examination.
My understanding is Sir Ian McGeechan walked to the ambulance but has been taken to hospital for examination https://t.co/6AHVorXmFI