Sky TV to broadcast John Drake's funeral live

A live broadcast of World Cup winning All Black John Drake's funeral on Sky Television's rugby channel has been backed by his family.

The event takes place from 11am on Friday December 19 at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Tauranga.

Sky TV's executive rugby producer Andrew Fyfe says all parties, including Drake';s wife Cathy, want to celebrate a life well-lived on and off the field.

Fyfe says they cooperated tremendously and were grateful for the gesture. He says the coverage will be discreet and kept within the confines of the church.

Fyfe says it is an unprecedented move for them but it is an opportunity for the entire rugby community to farewell him.

- NEWSTALK ZB