9. Paul Van-Zandvliet, aged 50
The dad-of-five, who played for Newcastle Falcons, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in early 2016 and died in June 2017. The 50-year-old also had cancer of the kidneys and liver.
He spent retirement passing on his experience to youngsters and coaches at North Shields, Percy Park and Whitley Bay Rockliff Under-15s.
10. Sione Lauaki, aged 35
The All Blacks forward died overnight at the age of 35 in February 2017.
Lauaki’s cause of death was not immediately revealed but the Tonga-born Lauaki had been diagnosed with heart and kidney problems in 2012.
The Tonga-born flanker or number eight won 17 Test caps for the All Blacks between 2005 and 2008.