New Zealand Rugby plans to honour the legendary Sir Colin Meads with special tributes this weekend at Heartland Championship games through to the All Blacks Bledisloe Cup Test match in Dunedin.

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock, who shares the number 5 jersey with Sir Colin, will gift his playing jersey from this weekend’s Test match to the Meads family.

Both Bledisloe Cup teams, and those attending the match at Forsyth Barr Stadium will acknowledge Sir Colin's recent passing by observing a moment’s silence.

The Black Ferns, currently playing in the Women's Rugby World Cup, wore black armbands in recognition of Sir Colin during their semifinal victory over the USA.