It’s with great sadness that we learn this morning of the passing of a great Blues warrior. Lock Kurtis Haiu, who represented the Auckland franchise for six seasons from 2006-2011, passed away earlier today at just 31 years of age.
Haiu, who will probably always be remembered for the formidable mop of hair he sported and one that looked rather out of place in the second row, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2011 and was forced to stop playing at the age of 27. He finally lost his long battle with the disease today and passed away in Manurewa, with his family present.
Our sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Kurtis’s wife and daughters, all his friends and to the wider Blues community. Kia au te moe.

Rest in peace Kurtis
Too young, way too young. RIP.
RIP big guy.
RIP Kurtis, and condolences to his family and friends. Far too young to have passed on. God bless.
Tragic. RIP. Condolences to those he leaves behind…
RIP big guy! Our prayers go out to his family and friends!
So sad for his family and friends and the Blues. My prayers go out to all of them!
Always sad when people are taken in the prime of life. RIP