Former Silver Fern Dalton fighting for her life

Former Silver Fern Tania Dalton is in hospital fighting for her life after collapsing during a social game of touch rugby.

The 45-year-old was in a critical but stable condition in Auckland Hospital on Sunday morning.

Dalton had experienced a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm during the game on Thursday, her family said.

The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the front of the brain.

‘‘[The family] would like to thank people for their concern and kindness, but request privacy at this difficult time while they focus on caring for Tania,’’ a statement issued on Sunday said.

Dalton’s husband Duane said that he couldn’t be prouder of the fight she was showing. ’’All I can say is that Tarns is once again showing us what an incredible battler she is and, right now, she is putting up the fight of her life.’’

The former goal shoot and goal attack played 37 tests for the Silver ferns from 1996-2007, but missed the 2005 campaign through injury and was now a commentator for Sky TV.

Dalton became a popular member of the Southland community during her time playing for both the Southern Sting and then the Southern Steel in Invercargill.

Netball South chief executive Lana Winders said the news has had big impact.

‘‘Our netball community is understandably devastated by news of Tania’s fight for life. She is such a vibrant part of our Sting and latterly Steel family and always so proud of her connection to the deep south,’’ Winders said.

‘‘Our thoughts are with Duane, their children and Tania’s wider family at this time, including so many in netball circles which reflects the incredible impact she has on our game and in people’s lives.’’

Former Silver Fern Joan Hodson said she was devastated when she received the news late on Saturday night.

‘‘It’s terrible,’’ Hodson said. ‘‘When I heard I sent my prayers and well wishes to her family.’’