The All Blacks have paid an emotional tribute to their former head of security, Logan Cadwallader, who died suddenly on Sunday after a medical event at the team's hotel in Edinburgh.
Cadwallader had been with the squad for the past 10 years. The team is currently in the Scottish capital preparing for their Nations Championship opener against Gregor Townsend's side on Saturday.
Tribute video leaves fans emotional
The All Blacks released a tribute video dedicated to the father of three, with players asked to describe him in just one word. The first reply was "Workhorse," followed by a series of touching responses that left fans emotional.
Other words used included "kind-hearted," "care," "protector," "loyal," "service," "gentleman," "smiley," "caring," "great," "selfless," and "legend." Defence coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said, "A tough one. Just one word? Service." The video ended with the hashtag #4Caddy.
Fans and coaches react
Fans were moved by the tribute. One said, "Love how genuine the love is. Clearly a good fulla (sic) who will leave a hole." Another commented, "What a beautiful tribute." A third wrote, "A beautiful tribute. Our hearts are with you and those that loved him. Kua hinga te tōtara o te waonui a Tāne. Arohanui."
Head coach Dave Rennie spoke earlier in the week about the devastation felt within the squad. "Logan has been a big part of the All Blacks family for a long time," he said. "He was the ultimate team man, loved and trusted by all and a true professional. He looked after all of us, players and staff, and he was a good mate to many in this team. We are all devastated. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nannette, his children, Trey, Brooke and Mia, and his wider family and friends. As a team, we will honour Logan and the legacy he has left on the All Blacks."
Condolences from New Zealand Rugby and Scotland
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster added: "Logan was a valued and trusted member of the management group over the past decade, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who worked alongside him. On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this very difficult time."
Scotland's assistant coach Pete Horne expressed sympathy at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, saying: "I can only imagine what they must be going through just now. I think if we lost anyone like that it would really hurt us to the core. Our thoughts go out to the All Blacks camp and of course Logan's family as well. Being on the other side of the world, it must have been even more horrific for them. It's really sad news, but I'm sure the squad are rallying around each other."
New Zealand assistant coach Mike Blair revealed the squad are still coming to terms with the tragic events. "It's been a tough couple of days," he said. "Logan was a big part of the All Blacks for 10 years and very close to players and management. Obviously a huge shock and it's taking time to deal with."
