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The former All Blacks and Chiefs rugby 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. A massive but athletic player, Tonga-born Lauaki played 17 Tests for the All Blacks between 2005 and 2008. He also played for Auckland and Waikato in the
national provincial championships and the Chiefs in Super Rugby. Former All Blacks and Chiefs teammates expressed their condolences via Twitter. Blues coach and former All Blacks captain
Tana Umaga led the tributes on Sunday morning. "Another brother gone! Much love and condolences to his family," Umaga tweeted. 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. NZ Rugby said: "The thoughts of
everyone are with the family of Sione Lauaki … Gone too soon." Wallabies star Israel Folau also offered his condolences. "Sad to hear the passing of @SioneLauaki. Love and prayers
to the family," Folau tweeted.