Meads face spinal op

Colin and Verna Meads. Photo / Alan Gibson

All Black legend Colin Meads has paid tribute to his wife Verna as she undergoes a major operation on Tuesday.

A gala dinner at SkyCity, held in the former rugby captain's honour, was overshadowed by his concern about his wife's looming hospitalisation.

Verna, who has had breast cancer twice, is having an operation on her spine at Auckland's Mercy Hospital.

The 74-year-old great grandmother has been in severe pain from spinal stenosis.

She will spend a week in hospital, followed by recuperation at home.