The All Blacks' head of security, Logan Cadwallader, died suddenly at the team's hotel in Edinburgh on Sunday following a "medical event", leaving the squad in mourning ahead of their Nations Championship clash with Scotland.
Cadwallader had been with the New Zealand rugby team for 10 years and was a highly respected member of staff among players and coaches. He leaves behind his wife, Nannette, and three children. The All Blacks announced the news to media on Tuesday.
Team Pays Tribute to 'Quiet Hero'
Assistant coach Jason Ryan expressed the team's sorrow, saying: "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. 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.''
The All Blacks posted a tribute on Instagram, to which his son Trey replied: "Best All Black to not wear a jersey, love ya dad."
Head Coach Reflects on Tough Week
Head coach Dave Rennie spoke about the impact of Cadwallader's death on the tourists. "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."
The squad also released a tribute video in which they described Cadwallader in a single word. "Kind-hearted", "care", "protector", "loyal", "service", "gentleman", "smiley", "caring", "great", "selfless" and "legend" were among the words used. Defence coach Faʻalogo Tana Umaga said: "A tough one. Just one word? Service." The video ended with the hashtag #4Caddy.
The All Blacks are set to remember Cadwallader ahead of their match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
