Remembering Jock

Published by PQ Blackwell Limited, 2014 - Rugby Union Football Players - 207 pages

REMEMBERING JOCK is a colourful collection of personal stories and anecdotes, covering key events such as his crucial role in the Packer-led WRC vs NZRU battle and the birth of professionalism in 1995, the 2003 Rugby World Cup co-hosting debacle, the heroic Rugby World Cup 2011 bid, and his battle with cancer and the brutality of its treatment. The combination of these personal words and a rich collection of images, many sourced from Jock's family archives will provide a fascinating and moving insight into the character and life of one of our great New Zealanders. Along with the recollections of close friends and family, the book includes contributions from former teammates, fellow All Blacks, politicians, colleagues and other individuals from around the world. Some are heartfelt and moving tributes to Jock, and others are humorous accounts of times shared. They speak of Jock's early years; his school and university days; his playing days; his passion for life, the game of rugby and his friends; his career in administration, business and law; the crucial role he played in securing the loyalty of New Zealand's top rugby players at the advent of professionalism; his leadership of New Zealand's successful bid to host the 2011 World Cup; and his family life.