Sir Colin Meads has died after his battle with cancer.

Verna, Lady Meads, confirmed on Saturday morning that her husband, Sir Colin, is extremely unwell.

"But he's holding his own."

She said he was not at home nor at Waikato Hospital, but she declined to give any further information and asked the media to respect the family's privacy.

In August 2016, it was announced that the rugby great had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

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​Sir Colin's last major public appearance was in Te Kuiti in June, when a statue of the 81-year-old was unveiled.