Family and friends have paid tribute to former All Black Jock Hobbs as an inspirational man who was devoted both to his family and to the game of rugby.

Hundreds of people, including top rugby brass and politicians, gathered at Old Saint Paul’s in Wellington on Sunday for the funeral of the former New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) boss, led by Reverend Thomas Brown.

Hobbs died, aged 52, in Wellington Hospital on Tuesday following a battle with leukaemia.

Prime Minister John Key, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee, former All Blacks coach Graham Henry and rugby players including Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Jimmy Cowan were among those who attended the funeral.

His daughters, Isabelle and Penelope, described their father as “one of those special men who truly knew what life was about, who demonstrated that his family came first”.

In an emotional speech, son Michael Hobbs, who plays for the Blues, said the family will miss Hobbs’ wisdom and amazing advice, and his commitment to wife, Nicky, and their four children.

Hobbs’ younger brother, Peter, spoke of how the family had no history in rugby before his brother’s prowess in the game.

“People used to ask whether it was difficult living in Jock’s shadow. The simple answer was always no.

“It never occurred to me that it might be difficult. I loved being Jock’s brother and was always enormously proud of him, as I am to this day.”

Close friend Rob Morrison, the brother of Wellington businessman Lloyd Morrison, who died last month from acute myeloid leukaemia, also spoke.

He said Hobbs was a man who epitomised integrity, and who would frequently be stopped in the street by rugby fans, who he would treat with respect and good humour.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said that even as a sports administrator with the NZRU, Hobbs was never far from the All Blacks’ spirit – even strapping on boots to join them at training.

He would join the team in the changing room after matches, win or lose.

“Just the presence of the man really, just having him there was something special … He always had the right things to say,” McCaw said.

“I think you’ll agree we’ve lost a mate, just a genuine good bugger.”

Hobbs played rugby for Canterbury in the 1980s and 21 Tests for the All Blacks between 1983 and 1986.