Dylan Mika died of a heart attack related to his diabetes.
Dylan Mika played seven matches for the New Zealand national rugby team. (AFP pic)
AUCKLAND: New Zealand rugby was reeling on Wednesday at the sudden death of former All Black and Samoa flanker Dylan Mika at the age of just 45.
“It’s with sadness we confirm that the former All Black & Manu Samoa star passed away suddenly,” New Zealand Rugby tweeted late Tuesday.
Mika, who played seven matches for the All Blacks in 1999, was an insulin-dependent diabetic and local media reports said he suffered a heart attack related to the condition.
A statement from his family said he died “suddenly and unexpectedly”.
“He was a hugely talented athlete, well-respected in the Samoan community and abroad but just as importantly, to his friends and family a warm, wonderful, and caring man,” it said.
Mika was a dual citizen of Samoa and New Zealand and represented the country then known as Western Samoa in two matches in 1994.
“Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Dylan Mika,” the Samoa Rugby Union tweeted.
New Zealand Rugby chief Steve Tew also paid tribute.
“Dylan is one of the rare talents that represented both Samoa and New Zealand at a time when rugby had not long turned professional,” he said.
Mika played for the Auckland Blues and Waikato Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition and remained involved in Auckland club rugby after his retirement.
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Sumber Ex-All Black and Samoa flanker Mika dead at 45