New Zealand’s rugby union fraternity is mourning the death of Māori All Blacks’ player Sean Wainui after the 25-year-old lost his life in a car accident on Monday.
Wainui played 10 times for the Māori All Blacks and had a brief spell with the Crusaders, before going on to join the Chiefs in 2018.
He went on to make a total of 44 appearances for the Chiefs, the Hamilton-based side who play at the Waikato Stadium.
He broke the record for a number of tries in a Super Rugby game when scoring five against the Waratahs earlier this year.
Wainui, who is survived by his wife Paige and two children, had joined the Bay of Plenty this season.
“Our thoughts are with Sean and his extended family, particularly Paige, Kawariki and Arabia, and we offer them our full support at what is the most difficult of times,” said New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson in a statement.
“We know Sean’s passing will be felt deeply by everyone involved in rugby, particularly his Bay of Plenty and Chiefs teammates, and we share their sorrow and their shock.”
New Zealand media reported Wainui was involved in a single-car crash at McLaren Falls Park, near Tauranga, on New Zealand’s north island.
Police in Bay of Plenty & Taupo said a person had died after a car had crashed into a tree at around 7:50 am local time.
“The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene,” was said in the police statement.
“He epitomized everything you could possibly ask for in a player,” said Māori All Blacks and Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.
“He will be remembered for being a passionate, hard-working, proud Māori who was an exceptional player, but more importantly, father and husband.”
“He was an influential member in the teams he has been a part of, and his presence will be missed.”
