New Zealand rugby player Sean Wainui has been tragically killed in a car accident.
Bay of Plenty police attended to a crash scene involving a single vehicle that had struck a tree in Omanawa, near Taurunga, shortly before 6am AEDT on Monday morning.
Wainui has since been confirmed as the lone victim, with the rugby world now mourning the loss of the Chiefs and Maori All Blacks winger and sending thoughts to his young family.
“We are heartbroken right now,” the All Blacks tweeted.
“Sean, you were an inspiration, and will never be forgotten. We extend all of our strength and aroha to your friends and whānau.”
As well as playing nine games for the Crusaders earlier in his career, Wainui has played 44 Super Rugby games for the Chiefs.
In June this year, the 25-year-old scored a record five tries against the Waratahs at Brookvale Oval, the first player to ever do so in the Super Rugby.
He's also played 53 games for Taranaki in the NPC before shifting to Bay of Plenty this year.
Wainui first played for the Maori All Blacks in 2015 and has gone on to represent them on 10 occassions.
In a statement shortly after Wainui's death was confirmed, New Zealand Rugby said it was a "dark day" for the rugby community.
“One of Rugby New Zealand’s tallest totara trees has fallen in the world of rugby. 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 drowning in sorrow as we weep for you. Rest well in peaceful repose”.
Sonny-Bill Williams was another to share his condolences.
“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,” he tweeted.
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
Chiefs and Maori All Blacks coach Clayton McMillan said: "Sean was an incredibly talented individual and held a great amount of mana among his fellow teammates and the wider rugby community.
"He epitomised everything you could possibly ask for in a player. He will be remembered for being a passionate, hard-working, proud Māori 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 whānau at this difficult time. We are offering them our full support along with our players and staff."
So sad to hear of the passing of Sean Wainui. All of my aroha to his whanau and the Chiefs rugby whanau 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/cCmjtCy1eg
— Raelene Castle (@raelenecastle) October 18, 2021
