Rugby: All Blacks great Sir Brian Lochore battling bowel cancer, New Zealand Rugby confirm

Colin Meads and Brian Lochore during a Mitre 10 match in 2016. Photo / Getty

Iconic All Black Sir Brian Lochore is battling bowel cancer, New Zealand Rugby have confirmed.

According to Steve Tew, outgoing chief executive of NZR, the 78-year-old former All Blacks captain will start treatment soon.

"Sir Brian Lochore has this week received some upsetting news about his health. Medical professionals have confirmed that Sir Brian has bowel cancer. He is in relatively good health at the moment, and he will undergo treatment soon," Tew said.

"While Brian and [wife] Pam are grateful and appreciate the support of their close friends, they have asked for privacy as they focus on his treatment and recovery."

Tew added: "The thoughts of all New Zealand rugby fans are with Sir Brian and Pam as they face this health challenge."

In April 2017, Lochore revealed he had beaten two different types of cancer in a year - after being diagnosed with melanoma and prostate cancer during a horrible 2016.

Lochore, 78, was born in Masterton and made his test debut for the All Blacks on 4 January 1964 against England in London.

A big man, Lochore was credited for bringing a new dynamic to the role of No 8 - with his corner-flagging, aerial work and unstinting physical onslaught.

Lochore's leadership qualities enthused legendary coach Fred Allen so much he anointed him as All Black captain ahead of a number of more senior teammates.

His deeds from his test debut in '64 to his '71 farewell were top-class which was saying an awful lot about a pack which had legends like the Meads brothers, Ken Gray, Kel Tremain, Waka Nathan and Co.

Lochore brought a statesmanlike edge to his efforts away from the field. He had time for people and the gift of being able to always move on without giving any hint of bad manners or tedium.

His last test was on 31 July 1971 against the visiting British and Irish Lions in Wellington.