All Blacks pay tribute to ‘legends in the game’ after pair of shock deaths

The All Blacks are in mourning after the death of two former stars in a rough 24 hours for the game in New Zealand.

The All Blacks mourned the loss of two former stars. Photo: Getty Images

The world rugby community has poured out salutations for the second time in 24 hours after the passing of former All Blacks and Fijian winger Joeli Vidiri.

On Friday morning, news arrived of the death of former All Black wing Va’aiga ‘Inga’ Tuigamala; before later that same day word came that Vidiri had also passed away while travelling in the US, aged 48.

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The blockbusting, Samoa-born Tuigamala’s international rugby career spanned 19 tests for the All Blacks between 1991 and 1993 and, later, 23 tests for Manu Samoa from 1996.

In between times he switched to rugby league and played more than 100 matches for Wigan in the United Kingdom.

Tributes are pouring in from across the sporting world for Tuigamala.

“Every now and then a player comes along who touches the heart and soul of every single fan, player, coach and administrator – Inga was one of them. He was one of the most exciting rugby players to play either code,” said Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski.

So sad to hear the passing of Va'aiga Tuigamala. Inga was Jonah before Jonah arrived. Jonah & Inga where the 2 players in the All Blacks you never wanted to see with the ball. Thoughts and prayers from the Rugby family. pic.twitter.com/Qc6Epaq4We

— Tim Horan (@TimHoran12) February 24, 2022

An icon and an inspiration. Va'aiga Tuigamala is an all-time great who achieved things on and off the pitch others could only dream of.

All Black number 900, you will never forgotten. 🇳🇿🇼🇸 pic.twitter.com/QPWVJOaQCO

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) February 24, 2022

Vidiri was born in Fiji in 1973 and became a sensation on the field for his matchwinning heroics for Counties Manukau and the Blues before playing two tests for the All Blacks in 1998.

As well as playing for the All Blacks, Vidiri also represented New Zealand in Sevens rugby.

That included being part of the team that won a gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

However, his career was struck down by serious kidney failure, and he eventually had what was a life-prolonging kidney transplant in 2015.

Former Fijian-born All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko wrote an emotional post on his Instagram page, relaying the impact Vidiri had on him as a young rugby player in South Auckland.

“The reason why I wanted to be a Counties and Blues man was because of you. I remember you gave us tickets to every single game Counties/Blues that you played at home, you always had time for me and how you inspired me so much my cuz. Always beside me and supporting me since my first trail rep team Counties U14.

“I always wanted fill that Blues jersey and carry on the legacy you had made and I hope I had made you proud for carrying on what you had left behind.

“You gave every Fijian player inspiration in making their dreams come true and believing in themselves. Proud blues player because of you and thank you for believing in me my cuz.”

Joeli Vidiri in action. Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Former All Black halfback Augustine Pulu shared a simple response to the news of Vidiri’s passing on his Instagram page: “You gave us hope from the South, you will always be in our heart.”

Sports broadcaster James McOnie poured out his tribute to both Vidiri and Tuigamala on Twitter, telling of how impressive they were to witness in the flesh.

“Va’aiga Tuigamala was the best schoolboy rugby player I ever saw. When Kelston BHS came to Hamilton Boys’ in ‘87, Inga carved us up. His influence on both codes, in multiple nations, was immense.

“Joeli Vidiri was electric. Seemed to defy physics. A gem of a man. RIP legends.”

Former New Zealand Sevens star Alando Soakai also expressed sadness at the loss of both rugby greats in one day.

“Not a good day for rugby. Two legends in the game gone. Condolence to the Vidiri family at this time. Another legend who inspired a generation of great Fijian wingers.”

This story first appeared in the New Zealand Herald and was republished with permission.