Chiefs assistant coach and Samoa technical adviser Andrew Strawbridge is in a critical condition in a Samoan hospital.

Strawbridge was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night with an infection in his right eye and his condition deteriorated rapidly, a statement released by the Chiefs and the Samoa Rugby Union said.

He had fallen ill on his flight to Samoa to join the team ahead of their Test against the All Blacks on Wednesday.

Strawbridge's wife Laura and sister Susan are at his bedside.

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Samoa Rugby Union acting chief executive Faeomavaega Vincent Fepuleai says everyone is "deeply shocked" at how quickly the situation has evolved.

"We are now doing everything we can to support him, Laura and their families," he said.

Strawbridge's wife says the family has been touched and overwhelmed by the support they've received.

"I would particularly like to thank the wonderful All Blacks supporter, here for the Test match, who responded to the call for a donation of Andrew's blood type," she said.

"I am also grateful to those players and coaches from both the Manu Samoa and All Blacks teams who spent time with Andrew before I arrived, making sure he wasn't without a friendly voice."