Rugby-Former All Black Drake dies age 49 - reports

WELLINGTON Dec 13 (Reuters) - Former All Black front rower John Drake died on Saturday afternoon at his home in Mt Maunganui, New Zealand media reported. He was 49.

A family friend confirmed Drake's death to the New Zealand Press Association but would not give the cause.

The stuff.co.nz website said there had been earlier reports that Drake collapsed and died beside the family swimming pool.

Drake was a prop in the World Cup-winning All Blacks team of 1987.

He played his eighth and final test in the 1987 Bledisloe Cup against Australia in Sydney a month after the World Cup final.

In recent years he was a highly respected television commentator and newspaper columnist, and also a successful businessman.

He is survived by his wife Cathy and three daughters. (Reporting by Andrew Stevens in Brisbane; Editing by Martin Petty)