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Former New Zealand international Dylan Mika has died suddenly at the age of 45, his family have announced.<\/p>\nFormer New Zealand international Dylan Mika has died suddenly at the age of 45, his family have announced.<\/p>\n
Flanker Mika played seven Tests for the All Blacks and was a member of their 1999 World Cup squad.<\/p>\n
He died at his home in Auckland on Tuesday, leaving a wife and daughter.<\/p>\n
“It is with great sadness that the family of Dylan announce that he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Auckland,” his family said in a statement published on allblacks.com.<\/p>\n
“Dylan was a very much loved husband to Tracy, father to their daughter Marley, and dearly loved son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.<\/p>\n
“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 caring man. Gone far too soon at the age of just 45.”<\/p>\n
Mika initially played international rugby for Samoa, before switching his allegiance to New Zealand.<\/p>\n
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew said: “Dylan is one of the rare talents, that represented both Samoa and New Zealand at a time when rugby had not long turned professional.<\/p>\n
“He continued to have an active involvement in rugby both in Auckland and Samoa, and in particular, in his loyalty to the New Zealand Barbarians.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts are with Dylan’s family and friends.”<\/p>\n