The All Blacks have announced the sudden passing of their long-time head of security, Logan Cadwallader, after a medical event at the team's hotel in Edinburgh on Sunday. New Zealand are currently in Scotland preparing for their upcoming Nations Championship campaign.
Cadwallader had been with the team for the past 10 years and travelled the world with the squad. He leaves behind his wife Nannette and three children.
Team 'heartbroken' at loss
Assistant coach Jason Ryan said the squad was "heartbroken" at the news. He told New Zealand media on Tuesday that "this is something you don't really prepare for, losing a team member".
"I just want to, on behalf of the All Blacks, pass on our sincere condolences to Logan's family. Particularly to his wife Nannette and three kids Trey, Brooke and Mia," Ryan said.
"I can tell you that the team is heartbroken. He had a massive influence on a lot of people in the All Blacks in the last decade. Loges was our quiet hero. He was always looking ahead for us and always looking out for us and our families. The country has lost a great soldier and we have lost a great team member and we love him."
Coach and chief executive pay tribute
Head coach Dave Rennie spoke with similar emotion, saying his players were struggling to come to terms with the news.
"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."
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."
New Zealand face Scotland on Saturday at Murrayfield.
