WELLINGTON: Former All Blacks and Chiefs loose forward Sione Lauaki has died aged 35.
Lauaki was diagnosed with kidney and heart problems in 2012, picked up by biological assessments while he was playing for Bayonne in France.
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Former All Black Sione Lauaki dead at 35
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The former Chiefs star, who played 17 tests for New Zealand, died in Auckland on Sunday morning, aged 35.
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Former All Black Sione Lauaki dead at 35
The former Chiefs star, who played 17 tests for New Zealand, died in Auckland on Sunday morning, aged 35.
A massive but athletic player, Tonga-born Lauaki played 17 Tests for the All Blacks between 2005 and 2008, including the 2007 World Cup where he played four games but his tournament ended after a suspension for a high tackle against Romania.
He also played for Auckland and Waikato in the national provincial championships and the Chiefs in Super Rugby, but made his Test debut for the combined Pacific Islanders in 2004 against Australia and played two further Tests against New Zealand and South Africa before switching to the All Blacs in 2005.
Chiefs players pause for a minute of silence for former All Black Sione Lauaki who passed away age 35 pic.twitter.com/yaB07Jw7vR
— Tom Decent (@tomdecent) February 12, 2017
Former All Blacks and Chiefs teammates have acknowledged Lauaki's death and expressed their condolences via Twitter.
The Chiefs players stood for a minute's silence before their match against the Panasonic White Knights at the Brisbane Tens on Sunday morning.
Blues coach and former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga led the chorus on Sunday morning.
"Another brother gone! Much love and condolences to his family," Umaga tweeted.
"Damn. It's a sad day today, rest easy dox," Sonny Bill Williams said via Twitter.
The Chiefs rugby franchise and the All Blacks also expressed condolences via Twitter.
"We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sione Lauaki this morning," the Chiefs said.
"In addition to his on-field heroics, Sione was a much loved and respected team-mate. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sione's family and friends and with the entire Chiefs whanau [extended family] as today we have lost a brother.
"Rest in peace Sione, always a Chief."
Current All Black Israel Dagg told Newstalk ZB that Lauaki was a legend among his teammates.
"He was an absolute legend.
"He was a quiet man, but on the field, he was absolutely dominant. I've got this video in my mind of when he absolutely threw Richie McCaw 10 metres.
"He was a big man with a big heart and had a lot of time for everyone."
New Zealand Rugby Union paid their respects too.
"The thoughts of everyone are with the family of Sione Lauaki... Gone too soon," NZ Rugby said.
Wallabies star Israel Folau also offered his condolences via Twitter.
"Sad to hear the passing of @SioneLauaki. Love and prayers to the family," Folau tweeted.
AAP with Fairfax Media