Legendary All Black Sir Colin Meads has died at age 81, after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.

The New Zealander was diagnosed in August 2016 and passed away in Te Kuiti on Sunday morning.

Meads played 55 tests in 133 matches between 1957 and 1971 and was 11-time captain of the All Blacks.

His family released a statement via the New Zealand Rugby Union, thanking people for the support they have received over the past 12 months.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Te Kuiti Medical Centre, particularly doctors David McLean and Keith Buswell, and to the nursing staff at Te Kuiti Hospital for their superb care of Colin,” the family told NZ Herald.

“To our friends, thank you for your love and care. The visits and phone calls were enjoyed by Colin and appreciated by us all.

“To those throughout the country who sent Colin best wishes, we thank you for your kindness.”

Prime Minister, Bill English, was among one of the many New Zealanders to pay tribute and told the NZ Herald what Meads meant to the country.

“I have had the privilege of getting to know Sir Colin. He was not only a great All Black but also a genuinely good New Zealand bloke. He represented what it means to be a New Zealander. He was no-nonsense, reliable, hardworking, warm and very generous with his time.

“I remember when I was younger hearing stories about how he used to shear sheep all day and go running at night. I thought I’d give it a go. I quickly learned the Meads legend was built on physical and mental toughness.

“My thoughts are with Sir Colin’s wife Lady Verna, and his family and friends at this time.”

Current All Black skipper, Kieran Reid described Meads as an “icon” of the game.

“Sir Colin was an icon of our game,” Read said.

“I met him a few times and he was always keen to share a beer and have a yarn. On behalf of all players, our thoughts go out to his family at this time.”

Meads was known for his toughness and once played a test match with a broken arm. In 1967, during a test against Scotland he became the second All Black to be sent off in history.

In 1999, Meads was voted New Zealand’s greatest ever All Black in the 20th century and was regarded as the face of New Zealand rugby.