All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has paid tribute to the late Sir Brian Lochore, who passed away last night after a battle with cancer.
Aged 78, Sir Brian's legacy in New Zealand rugby circles will be almost impossible to match, having captained, coached and managing the All Blacks, winning the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.
Speaking from Perth, with the All Blacks preparing to face the Wallabies next weekend, Hansen spoke about the influence Sir Brian passed onto him as a coach.
"Incredibly sad news, he was such a wonderful, wonderful man, held in such high regard to everybody that knew him," Hansen said.
"I was very fortunate to spend a lot of time with him early on in my coaching time with the All Blacks. He was a guiding light really, we shared some great moments and it's those moments we'll remember now.
"On behalf of the All Blacks, to Pam and David, Joanne and Sandra, we're sending all our love and prayers, and just sorry we can't be there. But know that we're all thinking of you, and obviously we love the man."
All Blacks captain Kieran Read also gave tribute to Sir Brian, thanking him for his guidance towards his playing career.
"It's always hard when you lose a fellow All Black. In his case, it's more than just an All Black," Read said.
"He spent his life around footy, around rugby and he's given so much to the game. I was lucky enough to spend a few conversations with him over my time here.
"Just a great man, willing to give. It's a huge loss for us, and our thoughts are with the family."
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