The All Blacks are mourning the sudden death of long-serving security chief Logan Cadwallader, who died in Edinburgh on Sunday.

Cadwallader suffered a medical emergency at the team's city-centre hotel, where New Zealand are preparing to face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed the tragic news on Monday.

Cadwallader had spent 10 years as the All Blacks' head of security and was a much-loved member of the management team.

Before joining the All Blacks, he served with the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS).

His military career included deployments to Bosnia, East Timor, Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands.

All Blacks pay emotional tribute

Assistant coach Jason Ryan described Cadwallader as the team's "quiet hero".

"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."

Head coach pays tribute

Head coach Dave Rennie also paid tribute to Cadwallader, describing him as "the ultimate team man".

"He looked after all of us, players and staff, and he was a good mate to many in this team. We are all devastated."

Rennie added that the squad would honour Cadwallader and the legacy he leaves behind.

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster also offered his condolences.

"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."

The All Blacks are due to face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, with the squad now dealing with the loss of a much-loved colleague.

Cadwallader leaves behind his wife Nannette and their three children.