New Zealand mourns as Rugby star dies in car crash at 25

Enitan Daramola
2 Min Read

New Zealand is mourning the tragice death of Rugby ace, Sean Wainui, following a car crash on Monday.

The 25-year-old father of two children crashed into a tree at McLaren Falls Park near Tauranga on New Zealand’s North Island.

Sky Sports reported that the police said they were notified of the accident at 7.50am.

Waninui was the only occupant in the car when it crashed.

UK Metro reports that he had turned out for Taranaki, Crusaders, Chiefs and Bay of Plenty, while also representing the Maori All Blacks 10 times.

Wainui set a record earlier this year when he scored five tries for the Chiefs against Waratahs, the most in a Super Rugby game.

“He was an influential member in the teams he has been a part of and his presence will be missed,” Maori All Blacks, Chiefs and former Bay of Plenty head coach Clayton McMillan said of Wainui.

“He epitomised everything you could possibly ask for in a player. He will be remembered for being a passionate, hard-working, proud Maori who was an exceptional player but more importantly father and husband.”

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson added: “We know Sean’s passing will be felt deeply by everyone involved in rugby, particularly his Bay of Plenty and Chiefs team-mates and we share their sorrow and their shock.”

The All Blacks posted on Twitter: “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.”

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