The rugby world is in mourning following the passing of legendary All Blacks and Warriors doctor, John Mayhew, at the age of 70.
“Doc” Mayhew – A giant behind the scenes
The North Harbour Rugby Union confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt statement on Wednesday, revealing Mayhew passed peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, after recent heart complications.
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"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr John 'Doc' Mayhew (ONZM). The family kindly requests privacy during this time," the post read.
Mayhew wasn't just any doctor – he was a central figure in New Zealand sport, a familiar face in both the All Blacks and Warriors camps for more than a decade each.
Fitzpatrick: "He was my doctor for nearly 40 years"
Former All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick, speaking from the UK, was visibly moved by the news.
"He brought a smile to my face because he was a big presence in my life," Fitzpatrick told Newstalk ZB. "He put lots of stitches in my body. He had a calming influence, a real feel for the game and was very much part of the team on and off the field."
That kind of bond? Rare. Mayhew wasn't just patching players up—he was part of the family.
Carter pays tribute to a "true legend"
Dan Carter, another All Blacks icon, took to Instagram to honour Mayhew, describing him as a "true legend whose impact was felt by every team he worked with."
"I feel incredibly lucky to have been one of the players he supported," Carter added.
Mayhew's contributions to New Zealand sport will never be forgotten—because while he didn't wear the black jersey himself, he helped countless legends keep wearing theirs.
Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions
Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod – and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.
The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton's podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there’s no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.
Here's how Biggar's team shaped up…
Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
It's an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster’s dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.
Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne
4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne
England's Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He's paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.
Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)
6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England's Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland's Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who's fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.
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