Mr Duff died earlier today in Christchurch aged 80.

NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs said: “Bob made a significant contribution to New Zealand Rugby both on and off the field. He will be remembered both for his time in the All Blacks jersey, in particular captaining New Zealand in the decisive matches of the 1956 Springboks Test Series, and for his contribution as an All Blacks selector, assistant manager and coach.

“On behalf of everyone involved in New Zealand Rugby, we extend our sincere condolences to his family,” said Mr Hobbs.

Born and raised in Lyttleton, he first played rugby at Christchurch Boys High School, featuring in the First XV and then joined the Christchurch Rugby Club, going straight into the senior side in 1944. Mr Duff was first selected to play for Canterbury in 1945 and represented the province until 1957, aside from a brief period when he was unavailable for selection in 1954.

In 1951, he played for the South Island in the All Blacks Trial and went on tour to Australia with the All Blacks that year, playing all three Test matches against the Wallabies and two more against Australia in 1952.

Mr Duff was unavailable the following year for the All Blacks tour to the United Kingdom as he had just set up his accountancy practice in Lyttleton, and he played no rugby in 1954.

He returned to the national side in 1955, playing two Tests against the Wallabies. In 1956, he played all four Tests in the epic home series against South Africa, captaining the All Blacks in the final two Tests. The All Blacks won both matches under his captaincy to clinch their first ever Series win over the Springboks, giving him a perfect record as All Blacks Captain.

 After seeing out the 1957 season with Canterbury he retired from playing, turning to coaching and selecting for Canterbury, the South Island and, in 1972-73 was assistant manager and coach of the All Blacks for their tour to North America, the United Kingdom and France.

 Outside of rugby Mr Duff led a full life as an accountant, local councillor and Deputy Mayor of Lyttleton, Justice of the Peace, and member of the New Zealand Racing Authority from 1984 to 1994.

At 1.90m and 105kg, he was a large and imposing lock forward who excelled in the scrum and lineout.