All Blacks head of security Logan Cadwallader dies suddenly in Edinburgh
All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan struggled to hold back the tears as he paid tribute to the team’s head of security, Logan Cadwallader, who died suddenly in the team hotel in Edinburgh on Sunday morning.
Cadwallader had been part of the All Blacks environment for 10 years, travelling with the team throughout that time and was a much-loved and respected member of the All Blacks group.
A statement from New Zealand Rugby said he died following a medical event at the team hotel. The team are in the Scottish capital ahead of their Nations Championship clash against Scotland on Sunday at Murrayfield.
Ryan was visibly emotional speaking to New Zealand media on Tuesday morning, saying the All Blacks have lost “a great team member”.
“This is something you, you don’t really prepare for, losing a team member,” Ryan said.
“On behalf of the All Blacks, pass on our sincere condolences to Logan’s family, particularly his wife Nanette and three kids, Trey, Brooke and Mia.
“I can tell you that the team is heartbroken. He had a massive influence on a lot of people in the All Blacks in the last decade.
“Loges was our quiet hero. He was always looking ahead for us and always looking out for us and our families. The country’s lost a great soldier and we’ve lost a great team member and we love him.”
In a statement, All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie said the team were struggling to come to terms with the news.
“Logan has been a big part of the All Blacks family for a long time. He was the ultimate team man, loved and trusted by all and a true professional. He looked after all of us, players and staff, and he was a good mate to many in this team.
“We are all devastated. As a team, we will honour Logan and the legacy he has left on the All Blacks.”
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster described Cadwallader as a “valued and trusted member of the management group over the past decade, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who worked alongside him.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this very difficult time,” Lancaster added.
Cadwallader served in the New Zealand Army and New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment (NZSAS), with deployments to some of the world’s most demanding environments, including Bosnia, East Timor, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands. His service to his country, and the values he carried from it, were reflected in everything he did for the team.
New Zealand Rugby is supporting his family, as well as All Blacks players and staff.
Sports Minister Mark Mitchell has also paid his respects to Cadwallader, sharing a photo of the pair together at an Anzac Day ceremony in Coatesville.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I acknowledge the sudden passing of Logan (Caddy) Cadwallader while with the All Blacks in Edinburgh,” Mitchell wrote
“This photo was taken at our ANZAC Dawn ceremony in Coatesville this year. Logan is on the right wearing his service medals. This is a special event every year for me and part of the tradition is to go to the Black Cottage for breakfast post ceremony.
“Part of our group includes Defence Force and Police veterans. Logan’s service to our country was through our New Zealand Defence Forces. He was at the vanguard of that service, where often the greatest risk and sacrifice is carried.
“Next ANZAC day won’t be the same without you Caddy. We will be toasting you.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.