‘Dark day’: Rugby world ‘drowning in sorrow’ over All Blacks player’s death

A Kiwi rugby star has died in a tragic incident being investigated by New Zealand police, leaving the rugby community devastated.

Maori All Blacks speedster Sean Wainui has died in a car crash in New Zealand on Monday morning.

Bay of Plenty police issued a statement saying one person had died after a single-vehicle crash at McLaren Falls Park.

The rugby world is morning the Chiefs and Bay of Plenty winger.

Hearts are breaking for his wife Paige, two-year-old son Kawariki Te Raiona and step-daughter Arahia.

The couple celebrated the one-year anniversary of their wedding in September.

Paige, a popular YouTube cosmetics influencer, re-posted a photo from their wedding day to her 64,000 Instagram followers just weeks ago.

Sean Wainui with wife Paige and his son. Photo: Instagram, @paiggefox.

Sean Wainui with his son after a game. Photo: Instagram, @paiggefox.

Police were notified that a car had crashed into a tree at around 7.50am in Omanawa, near Tauranga.

A family member confirmed that the 25-year-old father was the driver.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene. The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

The All Blacks posted an emotional message on Twitter as teams and players around the country posted tributes.

“We are heartbroken right now. Sean, you were an inspiration and will never be forgotten,” the official All Blacks Twitter account posted.

“We extend all of our strength and aroha to your friends and whanau.”

In a statement, New Zealand Rugby said it was a dark day for rugby: “One of Rugby New Zealand’s tallest totara trees has fallen in the world of rugby. To you Sean, our Rangatira, we farewell you to the outspread arms of the multitudes who await you beyond this earthly realm. You leave us here bereft and drowning in sorrow as we weep for you. Rest well in peaceful repose”.

Sean Wainui representing the Maori All Blacks. Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images.

Wainui played 53 games for Taranaki before shifting to Bay of Plenty this year. He also played 44 games for the Chiefs, nine for the Crusaders and represented New Zealand Maori since 2015.

In June he scored five tries in a Super Rugby trans-Tasman victory over the Waratahs, the first player to ever do so in Super Rugby history.

He was born in the small settlement of Whatatutu near Gisborne and raised in Auckland before attending Takapuna Grammar School where he was a stand-out as captain of the first XV before making his debut for Taranaki in 2014, while still a teenager.

Sean Wainui of the Chiefs is tackled during a Super Rugby game in 2019. Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images.

Code-hopping legend Sonny Bill Williams was among the first to post a tribute.

“My thoughts are with Sean Wainuis’ family,” he wrote on Twitter.

“Especially his wife & young child. Although I didn’t play alongside him, I could always feel his mana coming up against him as his opposition.”

Newhub Sport TV presenter Andrew Gourdie wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Thoughts are very much with Sean’s friends”.

The NSW Waratahs and Crusaders Super Rugby teams have also released brief statements.

The Crusaders posted on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened to hear news of the passing of Sean Wainui. Crusader #189, Sean will forever be a cherished member of our club.

“Our hearts go out to Sean’s whanau, friends, and all those in the rugby community who knew him.”