New Zealand Rugby's plan to honour Sir Colin Meads

Colin Meads. Photo / Herald Archive

The New Zealand rugby community will honour Sir Colin Meads all around the country this weekend.

Special tributes for Meads are planned this weekend, from Heartland Championship level all the way through to the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup test in Dunedin.

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock, who wears the number 5 jersey previously worn by Meads, will gift his playing jersey from this weekend's game to the Meads family. Another special tribute by the team will be revealed on Saturday night.

Both Bledisloe Cup teams, and those attending the match at Forsyth Barr Stadium will acknowledge Sir Colin's recent passing by observing a moment's silence.

All Mitre 10 Cup and Mitre 10 Heartland Championship matches this weekend will observe a moment's silence, and in addition some teams will acknowledge Meads in their own way. The New Zealand Rugby Board will also remember him with a moment's silence before their meeting tomorrow.

The Black Ferns, who are currently playing in the Women's Rugby World Cup, wore black armbands in recognition of Meads during their semifinal victory over the USA on Wednesday.

"It's an appropriate mark of the status of the man that all provincial championship games up and down the country will pause this weekend to honour Sir Colin's memory," said NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew.

"This week we have seen an amazing outpouring of love and gratitude for the contribution that Sir Colin made both to rugby and to the community. It has been heartening to see so many people share their memories and stories, including rugby friends from all over the world who have sent their acknowledgements.

"Sir Colin has played a unique role with All Blacks teams through the decades. He has been a constant source of inspiration to the current team and their acknowledgment of him on Saturday in Dunedin will be a heartfelt occasion.

"Sir Colin was a true legend of our game and there has been an outpouring of emotion both inside and outside the rugby community since his passing on Sunday. It's only fitting to pause and reflect on the true giant he was and recognise his contribution to both rugby and the country."