Norm Berryman passes away

Northland's Norm Berryman plays in a 2004 Air New Zealand NPC rugby match against Canterbury at the ITM Stadium in Whangarei. PICTURE/Tania Webb

Tributes are flowing in for Northland's former All Black "Stormin" Norm Berryman who has died.

Capped 107 times by Northland, Norman Rangi Berryman also represented Hora Hora, the Chiefs, Crusaders and the All Black before moving to Australia.

The 42-year-old is believed to have passed away in his sleep.

Berryman's free spirited playing style was also reflected off the field, and he was widely regarded as one of rugby's most popular players in recent times.

Northland Rugby Union chief executive Jeremy Parkinson described him as a "cult hero" who epitomised everything about rugby.

"He was a Maori boy who grew up in a challenging part of Northland and chased his dream and went on to play for the All Blacks," he said.

"Our thoughts and sentiments are with his family."