Former captain of New Zealand's national rugby team Brian Lochore dies at 78

The former captain of New Zealand's national rugby team, All Blacks, Sir Brian Lochore has died at the age of 78, according to media reports. Considered one of the greatest players to wear the All Blacks jersey, Sir Lochore has died on Saturday after battling with cancer. According to reports, Lochore's wife, Lady Pam and the couple's three children said they were mourning, but relieved his suffering had ended. They wanted to express their gratitude for the care and support the family has received since Sir Brian's diagnosis.

In June, Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew announced he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer. It was not Lahore's first battle with cancer. In April 2017, Lochore revealed he had beaten two different types of cancer in a year - after being diagnosed with melanoma and prostate cancer during in 2016.

Born in Masterton on September 3, 1940, Lochore was synonymous with the Wairarapa. He made his debut for Wairarapa in 1959 and played all his provincial rugby for the small union.

His All Blacks test debut came at No 8 in January 1964 against England in London. Lochore was credited with bringing a new dynamic to the role of No 8 - with his corner-flagging, aerial work, and unstinting physical onslaught.

He remained a towering figure in rugby after his playing days giving more than 50 years of service to New Zealand Rugby.