Rugby: Hobbs to step down from NZRU

Jock Hobbs is battling leukaemia and took sick leave from his job at the top of New Zealand rugby in May. Photo / Steven McNicholl

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chairman Jock Hobbs is likely to soon formally step down.

Hobbs is battling leukaemia and took sick leave from his job at the top of New Zealand rugby in May.

The Sunday Star-Times said today it understood his health has taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks and he has decided to tender his formal resignation at the NZRU's next board meeting next month.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said an announcement on Hobbs' future would be made then but would not say what it was and that the Hobbs family had asked that their privacy be respected until they were ready to talk publicly about his decision.

Hobbs, who was elected NZRU chairman in 2002, played 21 tests for the All Blacks before he retired in 1986.

- NZPA