Māori All Blacks and Chiefs utility back Sean Wainui has tragically died in a car crash on Monday.
Police attended the accident near McLaren Falls Road, on the Kaimai Ranges, shortly before 8am, after a vehicle crashed into a tree.
The Serious Crash Unit was called to the scene and nearby McLaren Falls Park was closed during the investigation.
"Our thoughts are with those involved," the Tauranga City Council posted on Facebook. "We'll update you when we are able to reopen."
Wainui, 25, played 10 games for the Māori All Blacks and 44 Super Rugby appearances for the Chiefs, scoring a competition-record five tries against the Waratahs in June.
A former prefect and First XV captain at Takapuna Grammar School, he also helped New Zealand to 2015 U20 Rugby World Cup success in Italy.
After 53 games for Taranaki, Wainui transferred to Bay of Plenty for the 2021 NPC season. The Steamers played Tasman in a non-competition fixture at Nelson on Sunday, although Wainui was not in the gameday squad.
"When I broke the news the whole crew was shattered," Taranaki coach and Chiefs assistant Neil Barnes has told NZME. "We'll take time to digest this, and talk about how we can best show our respect to him and his family.
"He is so respected by everybody - probably one of the most popular and respected people in our team, without doubt.
"He's such a good person, so this is tragic. He's a really good community and family man.
"I feel so sorry for his partner. He's got a young one as well - it's terrible for their whole family."
The All Blacks twitter account has posted: "We are heartbroken right now.
"Sean, you were an inspiration and will never be forgotten. We extend all of our strength and aroha to your friends and whānau.
"Kia au tō moe."
Wainui is survived by wife Paige, and children Kawariki and Arahia.
"We offer them our full support at what is the most difficult of times," says NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson. "We know Sean’s passing will be felt deeply by everyone involved in rugby, particularly his Bay of Plenty and Chiefs teammates, and we share their sorrow and their shock."
Of Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi and Te Āitanga a Māhaki iwi, Wainui was born in Whatatutu, near Gisborne, and was a vocal advocate for Te Reo Māori, proud of his Māori heritage and especially passionate about his whānau.
"Sean was an incredibly talented individual, and held a great amount of mana among his fellow teammates and the wider rugby community," says Māori All Blacks and Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan. "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."
