Joeli Vidiri Cause Of Death

Fijian rugby union footballer, Joeli Vidiri, who also played for the New Zealand All Blacks, has died at age 48, after suffering from a rare kidney condition.

The All Blacks legend was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, about 15- years ago and eventually had what was a life-prolonging kidney transplant in 2015.

The Blues franchise announced his death on Twitter tonight, saying: “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joeli Vidiri, aged 48.

Born in Fiji in 1973, Vidiri became a sensation on the field for his match-winning heroics for both Counties Manukau and the Blues.

His biography on the All Blacks website says: “When he was at the peak of his career around the 1996-97 season there were no more awesome sights when he was in full flight than Joeli Vidiri, the big Fijian wing who made his home in South Auckland in the mid-90s.

He continued playing for the Blues in the Super 12 until 2001 and in 61 games scored 43 tries, at the time an individual record.

But in his latter season, he was being increasingly affected by his illness. He had only five Super 12 matches in 2001 and after two early matches with Auckland in the NPC, he ended his career, a sad finale for one of the game’s finest entertainers.