The rugby community is in mourning after the passing of Chiefs and Maori All Blacks back Sean Wainui just before 8:00 AM Monday morning. Wainui, 25, died at the scene of a single vehicle crash near Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand. He is survived by his wife and two-year old son.
The Chiefs have led the way with their outpouring of support, releasing the following tribute in honour of Wainui:
Wainui had represented the Māori All Blacks 10 times. Last June, he became the first player in Super Rugby history to score five tries in a single match.
Chiefs and Māori All Blacks coach Clayton McMillan said:
“Sean was an incredibly talented individual and held a great amount of mana among his fellow teammates and the wider rugby community.
“He epitomised everything you could possibly ask for in a player. 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."
No doubt the tributes will continue to pour in as the story unfolds.
Our thoughts go out to his family in their time of loss. May he rest in peace.
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