Ex-Tonga, Blues and Auckland halfback Taniela Moa has died, aged 36.
Moa won 21 caps for Tonga, including all four appearances at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Before playing for Tonga, Moa represented New Zealand at U19 and U21 level.
The halfback appeared 27 times for the Blues in Super Rugby from 2007-10, before switching to the Chiefs in 2011, where he played four games.
His form in Super Rugby saw Moa called into the All Blacks as injury cover in 2008, but he never took the field and later opted to represent Tonga at test level.
"A stalwart of Ikale Tahi Tonga rugby who will now have his name etched among the echelons of the legendary greats," Tonga Rugby Union writes on Facebook.
"We would like to send our love and deepest condolences to his family through this sad and tragic time. May he fly high among God's army and look over you all. Rest in love Nela."
Auckland Rugby also posted a tribute to Moa, with the halfback playing 58 games for the province from 2005 to 2009.
"Auckland Rugby would like to acknowledge the sad passing of Taniela Moa," it says.
"Taniela had 58 caps in the Blue and White Hoops winning two NPC titles with the Union. Taniela also went on to represent Tonga on 20 occasions.
"Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Moa family at this time."
Moa left the Chiefs to join French side Pau in 2011, where he played 89 games across seven seasons until 2017.
