It was the worst possible news for New Zealand rugby, with confirmation today that the health battle being waged by influential administrator Jock Hobbs has taken a major turn for the worse.

Hobbs who has a close link to Fiji as he attended Veiuto Primary School, is fighting a form of leukemia, but there had been hopes he would be able to return to his role as chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union and World Cup organising body Rugby New Zealand 2011 before too long.

However recent reports that suggested Hobbs' health had taken a turn for the worse were confirmed today when the NZRU announced Hobbs had resigned from both roles immediately to focus on battling his illness.

No decisions were taken on his major roles, other than that he would be given whatever time he needed to wage his fight against his body's invader.

That was considered his only priority.

He was also a key figure in New Zealand's successful bid to land the World Cup for 2011 against many experts' predictions.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi