A resurfaced video of Sean Wainui teaching his young son the haka is tugging heartstrings around the world, after the passing of the Māori All Blacks star.
The footage, posted on Instagram by Wainui in January last year and reshared on Twitter by former All Black Dan Carter, shows his then-eight-month-old son Kawariki standing on a couch, laughing and smiling, as Wainui teaches him the haka.
"Haka practice," the video caption says. "Happy eight months boy."
Wainui, 25, died in a car crash on Monday near Tauranga. He played 10 games for the Māori All Blacks and made 44 Super Rugby appearances for the Chiefs, after a spell with the Crusaders.
News of his death has rocked New Zealanders and the world rugby community, many of whom have been sharing the haka video in Wainui's honour.
"Rest in peace Sean Wainui, you're massively missed," one tribute says. "This video from last year shows what an amazing heart he has."
All Blacks, including Wainui's Chiefs and former Crusaders teammates, are among those who have led tributes to the popular fan figure.
"We send our love," said an emotional All Blacks and Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor. "It's pretty tragic, he's a man held in high regard among the rugby community."
"Can't quite put into words how much this one hurts," halfback Brad Weber tweets. "Always said publicly that Sean deserves everything he gets, because he works so hard for it, but he doesn't deserve this.
"That first day back at Chiefs HQ next season is going to hurt, walking in and not seeing you there, brother."
Wainui is survived by wife Paige, and children Kawariki and Arahia.
