Former Silver Fern Tania Dalton is in critical care in Auckland Hospital, after falling ill during a social game of touch rugby in Takapuna.
Ms Dalton suffered from a ruptured carotid artery aneurysm on Thursday.
The former netballer was a member of the Takapuna Rugby and Football Club, and was playing a weekly match when she fell ill.
Club chairman Simon Cheesman knows Ms Dalton through her involvement in the club, and says he knows she will stay strong.
"Tania is a fighter, and I'm sure she'll fight this one as well as she can," Mr Cheesman told Newshub.
"We're obviously giving the family space and time because that's what they've requested. Should Duane [Dalton, Tania's husband] or the family need any help they know where we are and we'll definitely be there for them."
The former international played for the Silver Ferns for 11 years, but withdrew in 2007 to concentrate on her family.
She did return briefly in 2008 and 2011 to play trans-Tasman games for the Southern Steel.
The 45-year-old also works for SKY Television, commentating alongside other former international players.
A family spokesperson told Newshub the situation is very serious.
The New Zealand Netball Players Association declined to comment.
Newshub.
