All Blacks legend Colin Meads has died from pancreatic cancer, aged 81.
New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English said he was not only a great All Black but a genuinely good bloke.
“He represented what it means to be a New Zealander. He was no nonsense, reliable, hard-working, warm and very generous with his time,” English said.
Meads played 133 games for the All Blacks, including 55 Tests, from 1957 to 1971.
The former lock was regarded as one of the sport’s greatest players.
He was named New Zealand Player of the Century in 1999.
Meads returned to hospital in May with “stomach pains”.
However, the man nicknamed “Pinetree” was well enough a month later to attend the unveiling of a 2.7m statue crafted in his honour in home town Te Kuiti.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
RIP Pinetree, a colossus of the game.
Mielie
Guest
Thank you for your contribution to the game of Rugby. RIP. Cedric Petersen
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
A legend and a great NZer ... RIP
Chivas
Guest
A solemn day indeed. A truly great man who put such immense respect and pride into the black jersey. A proud man and a proud New Zealsnder. Fortunate and privileged to have been around in his time.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
RIP Sir Colin Meads... condolences to family and friends...
Mike Julz
Guest
A great man and a legend of the sport. Rest in Peace.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
Rest in peace great man. I'll raise a glass this afternoon you. Thanks for the memories
Tommy
Guest
What a sad day' the one an only taking from nz rugby an the people may u rest in peace sir Colin meads. Kia Kaha (be strong) thinking of the meads family at this time.
Targa
Guest
A great man is no longer with us. Thoughts and prayers to friends and family.
taylorman
Guest
RIP Sir Colin Meads.
Highlander
Guest
A great tree has fallen Legend