Former Auckland Blue Kurtis Haiu dies at 31 after battle with cancer
Wednesday 13 April 2016 07:24, UK
Former Auckland Blue Kurtis Haiu has died at the age of 31 following a prolonged battle with cancer.
The lock, who played 53 times for the Blues between 2006 and 2011, died in south Auckland on Wednesday afternoon.
Haiu took indefinite leave from rugby in 2011, after being diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer which was discovered in his ribs.
He initially thought the pain was due to injuries suffered in rugby, before discovering its source was a cancerous lesion on his rib.
Haiu had not played rugby since the diagnosis five years ago and underwent intensive chemotherapy, surgery and alternative treatment in Switzerland.
Blues captain Jerome Kaino said: "Kurtis fought such a brave battle. I loved playing footy with Kurtis and I will treasure those memories of my Blues brother and pray that he rests in peace."
Blues chief executive Michael Redman said: "The Blues family are deeply saddened by this news.
"Several of our players were close to Kurt and have spent time with him over the past weeks and months."
