Former Blues lock Kurtis Haiu has died aged 31 after a long battle with cancer.
Haiu was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, in 2011 that ended his career.
He represented New Zealand at under‑19 and under‑21 level and went on to play 53 games for the Blues between 2006 and 2011 as well as 76 matches for Auckland.
All Blacks loose forward and Blues captain Jerome Kaino led the tributes to his former team‑mate saying Kurtis loved his girls so much and their love and prayers go out to them and the Haiu family.
He made his debut for Auckland in 2005 against the British and Irish Lions before playing his first match for the Blues the following year.
Meanwhile, the Blues will play the Sharks at 7.35pm this Saturday in the Super Rugby.
Source: Stuff.co
