Jock Hobbs played in the first XV at Christ's College in Christchurch, and was a regular first choice for Canterbury during the 1981 season, and he played in the failed Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato. His test debut came in 1983 against the British and Irish Lions, where he was successor to Graham Mourie. Others that were possible replacements were Bruce Middleton, and Auckland captain at the time, Alwyn Harvey, but Hobbs played so well against the Lions that he was an automatic selection as All Blacks number seven for the next three or four seasons.

Hobbs was All Black captain on the short tour of Fiji late in 1984 when Andy Dalton was unavailable, and in the tour of Argentina in 1985 when Dalton was again unavailable.

Hobbs led New Zealand's successful bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Hobbs is a director of the New Zealand finance company Strategic Finance Ltd which has deteriorated into significant financial trouble. He was Chairman of The NZRU when it had its worst financial result ever recorded- (2010).

Tests: 21 (4 as Captain)Games: 18 (12 as Captain)Total Matches: 39 (16 as Captain)Test Points: 16pts (4t, 0c, 0p, 0dg, 0m)Game Points: 36pts (9t, 0c, 0p, 0dg, 0m)Total Points: 52pts (13t, 0c, 0p, 0dg, 0m)