Former New Zealand rugby union star Norm Berryman has died at the age of 42 after suffering a heart attack.

The ex-Crusaders centre, who has been based in Australia for several years, had spells with the Chiefs and Blues during his career, but more recently worked as a forklift driver in Perth.

Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga told The AP: "He always had a big smile. He loved life, loved his family, he'll be a big loss. It's a life lost too young."

Berryman, a father of six, won three Super Rugby titles in his career and earned a single Test cap in 1998.