Just weeks before his tragic death, All Blacks legend Inga Tuigamala announced to his Match Fit co-stars he had won an important battle on his road to better health.
Tuigamala died in Februray, aged 52, after struggling with a range of health issues, including sleep apnoea, high blood pressure and type II diabetes.
Always big for his position, even in his prime, the powerhouse winger had weighed in at 151.7kg for Three's reality TV show that gives former rugby stars a chance to reclaim their physical and mental health long after their retirements.
Tuigamala's imminent passing has provided a sombre backdrop to the show's second season, but he has continued to inspire those around him with his efforts to regain fitness.
Episode four, which screened on Wednesday, saw him reveal he had reversed his diabetes diagnosis.
"I remember feeling deflated, when I got told I had diabetes," said Tuigamala. "I didn't know where to start, but here I am five months later and it's been reversed.
"I've still got a long way to go, but I'm happy."
After 25 weeks of training - including a COVID-19 lockdown - Tuigamala had shed almost 10kg and had overcome a series of daunting physical tests, including a 50km cycle ride across Auckland.
He and former teammate Eroni Clarke had just completed a boxing workout with former world heavyweight contender David Tua, when he broke the good news.
But Tuigamala also admitted he nearly withdrew from the series after the opening episode and credited Clarke for spurring him on.
"I was gone, I was shaking," he said. "I said to Eroni, 'I'm not coming back'.
"If I had decided not to come to training, I wouldn't be here today. It's given me a new lease on life."
Clarke observed: "Everyday I'm training with Inga, I see something different. He's getting smaller, he's getting stronger... I'm really proud of him."
Reflecting on his poor physical condition during that first episode, Match Fit trainer Alex Flint was in awe of Tuigamala's performance.
"Standing here just gives me goosebumps," he said. "That's such an amazing thing."
Catch up on Match Fit season two on THREENOW and watch every week Wednesday’s 7:30pm on THREE
