Chiefs and Māori All Blacks player Sean Wainui is being mourned as a talented player who held mana among his teammates and the wider rugby community.
The 25-year-old died in a car crash near Tauranga on Monday morning.
On the news of his death yesterday, The All Blacks tweeted: “We are heartbroken right now. Sean, you were an inspiration and will never be forgotten.”
Sean’s wife Paige shared a photo and message on Instagram just hours after the star player’s sudden death. They were only married last year.
Paige Wainui wrote: "I’m broken", posting a black and white photo of herself holding onto her late husband's arm, showing off his distinctive tā moko tattoo.
The Chiefs and Bay of Plenty Steamers teams jointly expressed their condolences and deep sorrow at the tragic passing of the star player.
Gallagher Chiefs CEO Mike Collins said the thoughts and support of players and staff at both organisations were with Sean’s wife Paige, children Kawariki and Arahia, and their wider whānau.
“We are all thinking of Sean’s whānau as we collectively deal with what has been a massive shock for the players and staff of the Chiefs,” Collins said.
“Sean has been a hugely popular and influential figure at the Chiefs and a role model for our young players on and off the field since he came to the club in 2018. Our club will not be the same without him and he will be sorely missed by us all.”
Bay of Plenty Rugby CEO Mike Rogers said: “A time will come when we can celebrate Sean’s immense contribution to rugby, but our priority right now is supporting Sean’s wife and children as best we can at what is an extremely difficult time. Although Sean hadn’t been with Bay of Plenty for long, he had made a huge impression on everyone and stamped his influence and personality on our environment on and off the field.”
Sean Wainui was born in Whatatutu near Gisborne, moved to Auckland for his rugby career in his teens and played centre for provincial side Bay of Plenty, the Chiefs in Super Rugby and our international side, the Maori All Blacks.
Listen to Israel Dagg’s tribute to Sean Wainui below: