The teammates of a teenager killed in a stabbing in Dunedin have cancelled their high school rugby game to pay tribute to their friend.
McLaren-Taana was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but later died from his injuries.
A 13-year-old boy was charged with murder and appeared in the Dunedin Youth Court yesterday. He has automatic name suppression.
Now, the teammates of the Trinity Catholic College student, who was an avid rugby player, are taking time to remember their friend by cancelling their rugby game against Dunstan High School.
The game was scheduled to be played on Saturday.
A post confirming the cancellation was shared on social media by Otago Community Rugby.
"Otago Rugby's thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and teammates of Enere McLaren-Taana," it read.
"In respect of Trinity Catholic College, the Intermediate Otago Combined Sassenachs team will not be playing tomorrow's game against Dunstan High School.
"At times like these, we need to stick together and support each other. Kia Kaha."
McLaren-Taana had played as part of a Trinity high school team called the Sassenachs. The side was newly formed in 2024 and was made up of players from Trinity and three other schools in Otago.
Police have described the fatal stabbing was a "tragic event" and that officers arrived on the scene quickly.
Otago Coastal Area Commander Inspector Marty Gray told reporters on Friday that investigators are still figuring out what led to the attack.
Police have not revealed if the pair were known to each other.
