Va'aiga Tuigamala, 52, dies as tributes pour in for New Zealand and Wigan Warriors hero

dailystar.co.uk:

rugby union, joining hometown club Auckland in 1988 and then going on to make 19 appearances for New Zealand.He then made the switch to rugby league in 1993 and became a Wigan Warriors hero in the years to follow.They won several trophies with Tuigamala as their centre including the 1994 World Club challenge with victory over Brisbane Broncos in Australia.In a tweet the club wrote: "This morning, Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news that former player Va’aiga (Inga) Tuigamala has passed away. "Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to the family and friends at this awful time."His team-mate from that time and current Warriors executive director Kris Radlinski added: "Every now and then a player comes along who touches the heart and soul of every single fan, player, coach and administrator – Inga was one of them."He was one of the most exciting rugby players to play either code.

His presence on the rugby field was huge. "As a teenager, he gave me the most precious thing that anyone could, time. We would spend hours on the field doing one on one’s together.

It is a very sad day for the Club. Rest in peace my friend."Born in Samoa, Tuigamala began representing them on the international stage, first in rugby league and then in rugby union after he switched back.He spent a season with London Wasps and helped them to the Premiership title.They tweeted: "Sad news today as we learn about the passing of former Wasps player Va’aiga (Inga) Tuigamala.

The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family #OnceAWasp #WaspsFamily RIP Inga."Newcastle Falcons snapped him up in 1997 for a then world-record £1m fee, demonstrating just how highly he was regarded.They were duly vindicated for their.