Wellington, Sept 9 NZPA - A recuperating Jock Hobbs could return to his role as chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) as early as next month.

Hobbs is in the latter stages of a six-month course of chemotherapy as he battles leukaemia.

In May he stood down from his roles as chairman of the both the NZRU and the World Cup organising body, Rugby New Zealand 2011.

At a ceremony in Auckland today to mark one year until the start of the World Cup, Hobbs said his treatment had progressed well. If testing later this month produces positive results, he is prepared to resume his old roles almost straight away.

"Certainly that's the goal," he told Radio Sport.

"First and foremost, the health has to be right. And if it is, I hope to be back."

The former All Blacks flanker has undergone five rounds of chemotherapy and is to start a sixth and final round in Wellington this month.

He has suffered side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, shakes and cold sensations but said the treatment had also had "positive" ramifications, allowing him time to take stock on his life and career.

"It's been a chance to reflect on your priorities and the way you could do things a little better and a little differently and spend time with people who are important."

He described his wife Nicky -- the sister of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans -- as an "absolute rock" through the process and was also grateful for a wide support network of family and friends.

Hobbs said he had remained "connected" with work being carried out by the NZRU and World Cup organisers.

Witnessing first-hand the redevelopment at Eden Park today brought on a moment of reflection for Hobbs, a central figure in New Zealand's bid for hosting rights five years ago.

"It's quite emotional really. This stadium, the work that's been done on it is a shining example of where we are with respect to rugby World Cup.

"To see where we've now come since 2005, not only is it hugely satisfying, it's quite emotional."

Meanwhile, Hobbs revealed another member of his family had emerged from a medical battle of a different nature.

Son Michael Hobbs, a Super rugby player for both the Blues and Highlanders, has returned from the United States where he underwent an operation on a nagging stress fracture to his back. The 22-year-old inside back has a large screw inserted in his spine which will sideline him for the next six to nine months.