All Blacks great Meads dies aged 81

All Blacks great Sir Colin Meads, New Zealand’s Player of the 20th Century, died at the age of 81 after a battle with cancer.

Meads was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August last year.

Meads is considered one of the greatest players in history. He was named New Zealand’s Player of the Century in 1999.

Rest In Peace Sir Colin “Pinetree” Meads. 1936-2017. All Black #583. The thoughts of the rugby community are with the family of Sir Colin. pic.twitter.com/zXmLC2QCMP

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) August 20, 2017

Meads was a permanent fixture in the All Blacks from 1957 to 1971, making 133 appearances in total for his nation, including 55 test matches.

He went into coaching and administration after his playing career and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame and New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.

Meads is survived by wife Verna and five children.