Former All Black Mika dies

Cape Town - Dylan Mika, who played seven Tests for the All Blacks and two for Samoa, has died. He was 45.

It is understood Mika, who suffered from diabetes, died from a suspected heart attack, NZME reported.

According to the Stuff website, Mika's family have described him as a "warm, wonderful, and caring man".

"It is with great sadness that the family of Dylan announce that he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly [on] Tuesday, March 20," they said in a statement.

Mika was New Zealand-born, but played his first two internationals for Samoa, in 1994. He stood down for three years to enable him to be eligible for selection for the All Blacks and played seven Tests as a loose forward for New Zealand - all in 1999.

His first Test as an All Black was against Samoa, who were captained by his cousin, Pat Lam.

Mika gained selection for the All Blacks' 1999 Rugby World Cup squad, starting in the match against Italy and scoring a try. He also came on as a replacement against South Africa in the third/fourth playoff match.

Mika played 55 games for Auckland and 23 games for the Blues in Super 12.

RIP Dylan Mika #AllBlack982 pic.twitter.com/JarnEmLfXn

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) March 20, 2018