All Blacks 'heartbroken' as head of security dies in Edinburgh ahead of Scotland clash

The All Blacks have been plunged into mourning ahead of their weekend clash with Scotland following the sudden death of their long-serving head of security in Edinburgh.

Logan Cadwallader passed away after a medical event at the team hotel in the city centre on Sunday leaving the squad "heartbroken" as they prepare for the Nations Championship fixture at Murrayfield.

Cadwallader, a highly respected and deeply trusted figure within New Zealand Rugby (NZR), had been safeguarding the national team for a decade. Prior to his ten-year tenure with the All Blacks, he served in the New Zealand Defence Force, including deployments to Bosnia, East Timor, Afghanistan, and the Solomon Islands with the elite New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment (NZSAS).

The All Blacks have been left devastated by the sudden death of head of security Logan Cadwallader in Edinburgh ahead of the weekend match against Scotland at Murrayfield. | Getty Images

New Zealand Rugby confirmed the devastating news in a statement on Monday.

All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan fought back tears during a scheduled media conference in the Scottish capital as he paid tribute to the man affectionately known as the team's protector.

"I can tell you that the team is heartbroken," Ryan said. "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 looking ahead for us and always looking out for us and our families. The country has a great soldier and we’ve lost a great team member. We love him."

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 said. "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. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nannette, his children, Trey, Brooke and Mia, and his wider family and friends. As a team, we will honour Logan and the legacy he has left on the All Blacks.”

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster added: “Logan was 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.”