Former Blues Lock Kurtis Haiu Dies Aged 31

Former Blues and Auckland lock Kurtis Haiu has died, aged 31.

Haiu was diagnosed with bone cancer in 2011 while playing for the Blues, but has passed away at hospice in Manurewa.

He played 53 Super Rugby games for the Blues after making his debut in 2006 and turned out 74 times for the Auckland provincial side.

Haiu also represented New Zealand Schools, under-19 and under-21 representative.

He's being remembered as a player who faced up to his challenges off the field and gave generously to the rugby community.

Former Blues manager Ant Strachan remembers when Haiu first started playing Super Rugby in 2006 - Strachan said he was an uncompromising competitor on the field, who had a soft side.

Strachan said Haiu had his well-documented challenges away from rugby, but never changed as a person.

He said Haiu left hospice just last weekend to watch his old school Sacred Heart play Mount Albert Grammar.

Radio Sport