Rugby: Players to mark Hobbs' passing

Jock Hobbs passed away on Tuesday. Photo / APN

Sanzar and Six Nations rugby fixtures will pause this weekend to remember former All Blacks captain and New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs, who died on Tuesday aged 52.

New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises - the Chiefs, Hurricanes and Highlanders playing in New Zealand and the Blues in South Africa - as well New Zealand match officials, will mark their respect for Hobbs by wearing black armbands when they take to the field this weekend.

The Crusaders have a bye this weekend and will wear black armbands at their first home game against the Cheetahs at the newly developed Christchurch Stadium a week tomorrow.

The world champion New Zealand sevens team will also wear black armbands when they play in the sixth leg of the world sevens series in Hong Kong next weekend.

All Six Nations and Sanzar matches this weekend will observe a moment's silence. The silence will be observed at Six Nations internationals in Rome (Italy v Scotland), Cardiff (Wales v France) and Twickenham (England v Ireland) and at all Sanzar matches in Tauranga (Chiefs v Brumbies), Cape Town (Stormers v Blues), Wellington (Hurricanes v Highlanders), Sydney (Waratahs v Force), Durban (Sharks v Reds) and Melbourne (Rebels v Cheetahs).

NZRU chairman Mike Eagle said the heartfelt gestures recognised Hobbs' standing in world rugby.

"Jock's contribution to rugby in New Zealand and around the world has been immense and long-lasting and he has been a pivotal figure in the shape of our game today,'' Eagles said.

"The messages we and Jock's family have received this week from all around the globe confirm what we already knew - that Jock touched many people through his love of the game and his love of New Zealand.''

The Hurricanes will also pay special tribute to former All Black and Poverty Bay administrator Richard "Tiny'' White, who also died recently.

Condolence books to recognise Hobbs had been opened for members of the public and rugby community to sign.

These have been set up at Auckland's Eden Park reception, the NZRU office in Wellington, Canterbury RFU in Christchurch and at the Wellington and Christchurch legs of the Great Rugby Road Trip.

The condolence books will be presented to the family.