UPDATED: 10.10PM

Former Silver Ferns shooter Tania Dalton is fighting for her life in Auckland Hospital after suffering a ruptured artery.

The 45-year-old has been unconscious and in critical care after suffering the medical emergency while running at a touch rugby game on Thursday.

A hospital spokesman has tonight said Ms Dalton's condition has worsened from this morning when she was in a stable condition.

Family, friends and the netball community are devastated, and wishing the married mum of three well.

Her husband Duane described the situation as a nightmare for him and their three children.

He said Tarns is once again showing what an incredible battler she is and, right now, she is putting up the fight of her life.

Tania Dalton played 37 Tests across an 11-year international career which finished in 2007, playing mostly goal shoot. She was part of the 2003 world championship- winning squad.

Following her retirement, she became well-known as a television commentator.