Rugby Union remembers Bob Stuart

The New Zealand Rugby Union today said it was saddened by the passing of former All Blacks captain, administrator and NZRU life member Bob Stuart.

Mr Stuart died on Tuesday in Wellington aged 84.

The Dunedin-born loose forward led the All Blacks on the 1953-54 tour of Britain and France.

He served for 15 years on the NZRU executive and for a period was deputy-chairman. He was also the New Zealand delegate to the International Rugby Board for 12 years. He was made a life member of the NZRU when he stepped down in 1989.

NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs said: "He made an enormous contribution to our game as a player and an administrator and was also a life member of the rugby union.

"He was well-liked and well-respected and we will miss him. Our condolences go out to his family," said Mr Hobbs.

Mr Stuart made his Test debut against Australia in 1949, playing two Tests and he returned to lead the side in 1953.

He played a total of seven Tests for the All Blacks, captaining the side on five occasions, with his last Test against France in 1954.

After ending his playing days, Mr Stuart was a coaching adviser to the All Blacks for the 1956 series against the Springboks and was also a coach and selector for Canterbury.

His involvement with the IRB included the development of a five-year plan which led in 1995 to the restructuring of the Board and the establishment of an executive council.

Mr Stuart was awarded the OBE in 1974.