Support has continued to flood in for the whānau of late rugby star Sean Wainui.
In just over 24 hours since it was launched, the Giveallittle page started by the Chiefs to help Wainui's widow, Paige, and their two young children, Kawariki and Arahia, has surpassed the $200,000 mark from more than 5000 donors.
On Monday, the promising Chiefs and Māori All Blacks player was killed in a car crash near Tauranga.
All proceeds from the fund will go directly to Wainui's family to "help with the coming expenses".
On Wednesday, Wainui began his journey back to Gisborne for his tangi, farewelled by a stirring haka.
"Sean Wainui was an incredible rugby player, father and husband, and proud of his Māori heritage," the Chiefs said in a tribute to Wainui posted on the Givealittle page.
"His wife, Paige, and beautiful children Kawariki and Arahia are part of our whānau, and with the outpouring of love from the rugby world and fans, both nationally and internationally, our club wanted to set up a way we can all contribute to Sean’s family in this difficult time.
"Once a Chief, always a Chief."
Wainui played 44 matches and scored 18 tries for the Chiefs, after joining the Hamilton-based Super Rugby franchise in 2018.
