The All Blacks' head of security, Logan Cadwallader, died suddenly at the team's hotel in Edinburgh after a medical event, ahead of their Nations Championship match against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Cadwallader had been with the New Zealand rugby team for 10 years and was a deeply respected member of personnel among the players and coaching staff. He is survived by his wife, Nannette, and three children.
Team pays tribute
On Tuesday, the All Blacks revealed the news to journalists. Assistant coach Jason Ryan said: "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."
"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," Ryan added. "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."
Players and coaches remember Cadwallader
The All Blacks shared a tribute to Cadwallader on their Instagram earlier in the week, to which his son Trey responded: "Best All Black to not wear a jersey, love ya dad."
Head coach Dave Rennie spoke about the impact of Cadwallader's passing on the touring squad. "It's been a really tough week for our group following the passing of Logan. He was one of us, and he will be very much in our thoughts as we take the field on Saturday," Rennie said.
"The boys have leaned on each other and prepared well, so we're ready to go – we know that is what Logan would want and expect."
Commemorative video released
The squad released a commemorative video in which each member described Cadwallader in a single word. "Kind-hearted", "care", "protector", "loyal", "service", "gentleman", "smiley", "caring", "great", "selfless" and "legend" were among the words chosen.
Defence coach Faʻalogo Tana Umaga said: "A tough one. Just one word? Service." The footage concluded with the hashtag #4Caddy. The All Blacks honoured Cadwallader's memory prior to their fixture at Murrayfield on Saturday.
