Chiefs, Bay of Plenty and Māori All Blacks player Sean Wainui, a father of two, has died in a car crash in Omanawa, New Zealand.
A media report confirmed via a family member that Wainui was the sole occupant of a car that crashed into a tree early Monday morning.
Wainui played 53 games for Taranaki before shifting to Bay of Plenty this year. He also played 44 games for the Chiefs, nine for the Crusaders and represented New Zealand Māori since 2015.
“Attention! Attention! One of Rugby New Zealand’s tallest totara trees has fallen in the world of rugby,” said the All Blacks on Instagram.
“To you Sean, our Rangatira, we farewell you to the outspread arms of the multitudes who await you beyond this earthly realm. You leave us here bereft and drown in sorrow as we weep for you. Rest well in peaceful repose.”
In June, Wainui scored five tries in a Super Rugby Trans Tasman victory over the Waratahs, the first player to ever do so in Super Rugby history.
“From playing against him, he was someone that always wore his heart on his sleeve,” said Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa.
“Watching him lead the Maori haka, he was someone that had a lot of passion and pride in his Maori heritage. It is a tragic loss for the rugby world, but also the Wainui family. So we’re sending out love in regards to them.”
“Our thoughts are with Sean and his whānau [family], particularly Paige, Kawariki and Arahia, and we offer them our full support at what is the most difficult of times,” New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said.
“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.”
New Zealand Māori Rugby Board Chair Farah Palmer said “today rugby is mourning one of our Rangatira, but our first thoughts are with Sean’s whānau. They have lost a father, a husband, a brother and a son and we share their grief and their tears.”
“As a player we all saw what this young tāne was capable of and the passion and talent that he brought to the teams he represented, but we also saw a role model for young Māori, a caring father who was passionate about his culture, his language, and his identity. He will be sorely missed.”
Maori All Blacks, Chiefs and former Bay of Plenty Head Coach Clayton McMillan paid tribute to Wainui on a heartbreaking day for rugby.
“Sean was an incredibly talented individual and held a great amount of mana among his fellow teammates and the wider rugby community,” McMillan said.
“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.
“He was an influential member in the teams he has been a part of, and his presence will be missed. Our sincere condolences to Paige, Kawariki and Arahia and his wider whanau at this difficult time. We are offering them our full support along with our players and staff.”
Tributes also came in from fans and fellow players including Sonny Bill Williams.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
I'd wear mine but someone in Perth (WA) stole it, but I do have an alternative. See you then. Cheers, Eric
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Sounds good. 12 it is :thumbup: I will wear my All Blacks top so you will know who I am. :stoked:
Malotru
Roar Rookie
12 at Bruce's works for me MadKiwi.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
My partner starts work at 9am in Burnie so anytime after that is fine, so I will leave time up to you since you are coming from Ulverstone. We can meet at Bruce’s Cafe in Wynyard if that suits.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
No problem MadKiwi, Tuesday is fine. Any ideas on time and whereabouts?
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Sounds good does Tuesday work for you for lunch? I agree as Wynyard would be better than Boat Harbour
Malotru
Roar Rookie
You're working out Edith Creek way. I'm very flexible time wise, so let me know what suits and I will fit in if possible. If it's any easier for you I would be happy to catch up somewhere like Wynyard or Boat Harbour, although Wynyard might be better, not much at Boat Harbour.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I am in Nabageena which is an hour away from Burnie, but it would be great to catch up. I will need to find out when work allows it as the next two weeks I am doing 6 day shifts. I can certainly let you know as I am a Rugby Tragic also.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Hello Madkiwi, good to hear about the Emus. Are you interested in meeting up at the Penguin Brewing Co? The beer is good and it wouldn't be a bad place to sit and have a couple of bevvies and chew the fat about Rugby. I'm guessing you live somewhere around Burnie and I'm in Ulverstone. I'm a Rugby tragic in a sea of AFL supporters..............
Tim J
Roar Rookie
That sounds good about catching up Malotru. Yes it is the Emus, they have improved and have a solid base of players. They made the final this year before losing to Launceston, things are looking good for the club.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Yes Mad Kiwi it has surprised me that Sean Wainui never got to the highest level, I certainly think he had the skills and drive to succeed at that level. He will be greatly missed and as you say, particularly by his family, but he will not be forgotten. You're looking at coaching the Emus? They must be getting more serious, I've been to watch them a few times in years past and Burnie was always struggling to field a team. It's hard to find out much about Rugby in Tassie, but hopefully the Emus have been moving forward. Certainly the Devonport Bulls have. I live not far from Burnie, so if you aren't too far it might be interesting to catch up one day.
WEST
Roar Guru
Damn.. :crying: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2qG_8U1535w
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Well said Malotru. I have always considered him unlucky not make the All Blacks, he is huge loss as you said for us supporters but nothing compared to his family. Yes I am in Tasmania, I have been offered a coaching job in Burnie! Still thinking about it.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Goodness Madkiwi are you in that Rugby free zone Tasmania? Sean Wainui is a major loss, too young, too talented, but tragedy can happen to any of us at any time. Sean's ability to play the game always with a smile was endearing and I believe he had the talent to play for the ABs and unlucky not to have done so. A tragedy for all Rugby supporters and a greater tragedy for his family. He will be greatly missed.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Condolences to Whanau on their sad loss, in this tragedy. Having played for Aotearoa, representing his culture, & being taken in his prime. He is also the only player to ever score 5 tries, in a Super Rugby game. RIP !!!
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Cheers Paulo, good to see you mate!
Paulo
Roar Rookie
3:46 in this clip, if I am not mistaken. Looks like against the Blues. Credit to West for posting this link earlier. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=kTA4ve43S0A
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Rest in Peace young man .... taken way, way too soon. Condolences to his wife and young family... absolutely tragic
NotKev
Roar Rookie
So incredibly sad and a great player to watch …. Sahle kakuhe umhlobo
Ruckit
Roar Rookie
I think it was 5 scored v the young Waratahs side, to be the first in superrugby.