Tributes have poured in from across the rugby world for late Chiefs and All Blacks Maori star Sean Wainui, who is being mourned as a hugely talented player who held great respect in his wider community.
Wainui passed away in a car crash near Tauranga on Monday morning.
The 25-year-old joined the Chiefs in 2018 and played 44 games for the Super Rugby franchise, have previously played for the Crusaders.
He was first picked for the Māori All Blacks in 2015 and made 10 appearances for them. He won the Junior World Championship with the New Zealand U20 team in that same year.
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. ?
Kia au tō moe. pic.twitter.com/R0o9fqgW6R
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 18, 2021
My heart goes out to Sean wainuis whanau.. Lost for words as it was only a few months ago I was talking to him in the gym in tauranga. We have lost an incredible human ?
Prayers for his wife and young family— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) October 18, 2021
Can’t quite put into words how much this one hurts. 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 gonna hurt walking in and not seeing you there brother. RIP pic.twitter.com/qIWDzi3tgg
— Brad Weber (@brad_weber9) October 18, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear news of the passing of Sean Wainui ?
Our hearts are with Sean’s Whānau and all those in the wider rugby community who knew him. The world has lost a great rugby player but most of all, a great man. ??
Moe mai rā e te Sean pic.twitter.com/es8jv5dE4X
— Speight’s Highlanders (@Highlanders) October 18, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear news of the passing of Sean Wainui ?
Crusader #189, Sean will forever be a cherished member of our club.
Our hearts go out to Sean’s whānau, friends, and all those in the rugby community who knew him. pic.twitter.com/6uryvgv5EA
— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) October 18, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Sean’s wife & children, his whānau, his teammates and all those lucky enough to have known Sean Wainui.
We are honoured to have shared the field with you. A fierce and skilled warrior, we mourn your loss. ?
E moe, e moe, okioki ai ? pic.twitter.com/lP9uHnqhcS
— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) October 18, 2021
One of Rugby NZ’s tallest totara trees has fallen. 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. ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/ZhiCJ28OU1
— Gallagher Chiefs (@ChiefsRugby) October 18, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear news of the passing of Sean Wainui ?
Sean will forever be a cherished member of the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls.
Our hearts go out to Sean’s whānau, friends, and all those in the rugby community who knew him. pic.twitter.com/VzFvl7i4AD
— Taranaki Rugby (@TaranakiRugby) October 18, 2021
Dam so sad to read about this. Condolences to the Wainui whanau during this tough time ? Loved his Mana on and off the field ??❤ #RILSeanWainui https://t.co/Z1G7gbMMxA
— Tino Junior Poluleuligaga (@JIP2EZY) October 18, 2021
This one hurts.
Truly a remarkable person, with incredible mana. All our aroha to your beautiful whānau & the @ChiefsRugby.
Moe mai okioki ai Sean ? pic.twitter.com/66VEFgz4TN
— Super Rugby (@SuperRugbyNZ) October 18, 2021
My thoughts are with Sean Wainuis’ family. Especially his wife & young child. Although I didn’t play alongside him, I could always feel his mana coming up against him as his opposition. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) October 18, 2021
