Former Silver Fern Tania Dalton has died, six days after collapsing from a brain aneurysm during a social game of touch rugby.

The 45-year-old was admitted to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition on Thursday.

Dalton had suffered a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm, her family said.

PHOTOSPORT Tania Dalton in her role as a Sky Sports netball commentator.

They spent the weekend and the start of the week by her bedside, but her life support was turned off on Tuesday night. She died at 10.20am on Wednesday, a spokesman for the family, Chris Henderson, said.

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1 of 13 SUPPLIED Photos: Tania Dalton 1971-2017 - Tania Dalton in 2002. 2 of 13 John Selkirk/Dominion Post Dalton with 16-week-old baby Tayla at her North Shore home in 2002. 3 of 13 Barry Harcourt Sting teamates Bernice Mene and Tania Dalton. 4 of 13 Barry Harcourt Tania Dalton with husband Duane in 2002. 5 of 13 Jill Robb Sting team members (from left) Donna Loffhagen, Jo Tapper and Tania Dalton during the ticker-tape Parade in Invercargill in 2003. 6 of 13 Barry Harcourt Dalton takes a close look at where her knee injury is at in 2004. 7 of 13 Barry Harcourt Tania Dalton and Donna Loffhagen share a laugh in 2004. 8 of 13 Barry Harcourt The pain of a migrane headache show on the face of Tania Dalton in 2006. 9 of 13 PHOTOSPORT Tania Dalton, playing for the Southern Steel in 2006. 10 of 13 NZPA/Ross Setford New Zealand's Tania Dalton clashes with Australia's Mo'onia Gerrard in 2006. 11 of 13 SUPPLIED Competing in the Beach Series swim 12 of 13 Michael Bradley Dalton preparing for the start of the Auckland Sky Tower stair climb in Auckland in 2014 13 of 13 PHOTOSPORT Tania Dalton, left, in her role as a Sky Sports netball commentator, with Andrea McVeigh.

"On behalf of the Dalton family it is with overwhelming sadness that I am here to share the news that our beloved "T" passed away at 10.20am with the family by her side," he said.

"Since Thursday evening when she experienced a ruptured internal aneurysm on the touch field, Tarnes has put up the fight of her life but ultimately it wasn't a fight she could win. And so Duane, Tayla, Charlie and Matt - and their many, many friends and extended family - reluctantly have to say goodbye. It's unbearably sad but we are comforted by how big a life she lived in a short 45 years."

"She lived as we all might strive to - never on the sidelines, always in the action, bringing her A-game and standard, with a big heart and an easy smile, sucking the juice out of every day. She represented her country for 11 years as a Silver Fern, helped to grow a successful business, and gave of herself and her time generously," he said.

PHOTOSPORT Tania Dalton shows her delight as the Silver Ferns win their 2003 world netball championships semfinal against Jamaica. The New Zealanders went on to beat Australia in the final.

"Her most important job though was as a mum, and she lives on in the three cool kids she and Duane have raised. Duane was quoted on the weekend as saying we couldn't be prouder of her or love her more, and that's how we all feel."

Henderson said Duane Dalton had asked him to pass on the sincere thanks of the family for the outpouring of love and support they had received.

A memorial service will be held on Auckland's North Shore on March 6.

BARRY HARCOURT/FAIRFAX NZ Tania Dalton with husband Duane in 2002.

NETBALL

Dalton, who made her way through the netball ranks under her maiden name, Tania Nicholson, played 12 tests for the Silver Ferns, making her debut against South Africa in 1996 under coach Leigh Gibbs.

The goal shoot/goal attack played in the the 2003 world championships in Kingston, Jamaica, which New Zealand won, pipping Australia 49-47 in the final.

The #Netball community extends their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tania Dalton. MORE: https://t.co/ckB3kozSU9 pic.twitter.com/mNQPoKzkXk — Netball New Zealand (@NetballNZ) March 1, 2017

Her international career went from 1996–2004 and then from 2006–07, punctuated by breaks through giving birth to her three children and also with injuries.

Domestically, she played for the Northern Force and the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, before a highly impressive stint with the Southern Sting, from 2002-06, during which the side won three national titles.

Netball South chief executive Lana Winders said the loss of Dalton would be felt in sporting circles throughout the country.

"Tania was such a vibrant and dynamic person and it's hard to comprehend what has happened. Our Sting and latterly Steel family hasn't had to experience the pain of losing one of our own until now and Tania's infectious smile and cheeky humour will be greatly missed," she said.

"Our love and thoughts are with Duane, Tayla, Charlie and Matthew, their families and Tania's former team-mates who will be heartbroken. She was, and will always be, a true legend of our game."

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Silver Fern number 113, Tania Dalton. NNZ Statement: https://t.co/GGiK2D4nd4 pic.twitter.com/7a8d6KrLI9 — Silver Ferns (@SilverFernsNZ) March 1, 2017

After retiring, she has been a netball commentator for Sky Sport, noted for speaking candidly. A statement from the media company said her death was met with "great sadness".

"Her infectious personality, hugely generous spirit and love of both life and the people that surrounded her made her an integral and much loved part of SKY's Netball productions over the past ten years. She will be greatly missed by all that worked and played with her."

The sporting world has reacted with sadness to the news.

New Zealand Olympic hero Valerie Adams wrote: "RIP Tania Dalton. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time #silverfernlegend."

RIP Tania Dalton❤ My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time x #silverfernlegend — Valerie Adams (@ValerieAdams84) March 1, 2017

Silver Fern star Maria Tutaia wrote of the good times the two had together.

"You sure lived your life to the nth degree!! You've left me with only the funniest and wildest memories of you. Singing 'Sweet Caroline' standing on every table/bar top in every pub in town will never be the same again. R.I.L TBag! I miss you! Love you mate"

Liz Ellis, the most capped Australian netballer of all time, also added: "Sad beyond belief. Vale Tania Dalton #113.

Sad beyond belief. Vale Tania Dalton #113 https://t.co/cgUan0haLD — Liz Ellis (@LizzyLegsEllis) March 1, 2017

Thoughts and prays with Tania Dalton's family and friends during this horrific time. We are ALL thinking of you xx — Catherine Cox (@CathCoxy) February 28, 2017 Tania Dalton. Can't believe it . The world will be poorer without her smile — Ric Salizzo (@ricsalizzo) February 28, 2017 Sad day for all NZ sporting fans.. Tania Dalton never changed from the early North Harbour days.Always smiled and made time for all.#ripTbag — William Los'e (@willielose) February 28, 2017