Former New Zealand player Sione Lauaki has passed away at the age of 35.
The former All Black had suffered with kidney and heart problems in the recent past and his passing has led to an outpour of grief across the rugby community.
He played club rugby for the Super Rugby franchise, the Waikato Chiefs, as well as French sides Bayonne and Clermont.
The thoughts of everyone are with the family of Sione Lauaki. Sione played 17 Tests from 2005-2008. AB#1055. Gone too soon. RIP, Wax. pic.twitter.com/7dfSxqyqvy
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) February 11, 2017
A moment of silence was observed before our game against the Wild Knights in honour of Sione Lauaki. #DoingitforSione #AlwaysaChief pic.twitter.com/KrfBiWEi8W
— Chiefs Rugby (@ChiefsRugby) February 12, 2017
Damn. It's a sad day today, rest easy dox @SioneLauaki 💔
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) February 11, 2017
35!? Way too soon!! RIP Sione Lauaki.. 😢😢 Such horrible sad news.. Thoughts & prayers are with his family in this time ðŸ™ðŸ¼
— Matt Giteau (@giteau_rugby) February 11, 2017
