FORMER New Zealand and Fiji winger Joeli Vidiri has died aged 48.
Vidiri won two caps for New Zealand after representing Fiji on seven occasions.
His death comes just hours after former All Black Va'aiga Tuigamala passed away aged 52.
The All Blacks tweeted: “An incredibly sad day continues.
"Another one of our brothers taken. You'd struggle to meet a nicer guy than Joeli Vidiri, not to mention his remarkable skills on the field.”
The Blues, a the Super Rugby side Vidiri played for, also shared their sorrow in a statement on social media.
It read: "With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joeli Vidiri, aged 48.
"G.O.A.T is used frequently these days, more than it should. In the case of Joeli the title truly fits. One of the greatest players of all time.
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"62 games, 43 tries & 2 Titles. RIP Blues Brother #21."
Vidiri suffered from a kidney issue for several years before finally getting a transplant in 2015 – 14 years after the issue led to his premature retirement.
The former winger also played for Counties Manukau, Auckland and the Barbarians, scoring more than 600 points during his career.
Vidiri also won a gold medal with the New Zealand team in sevens rugby at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
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