All Blacks teammate Va’aiga Tuigamala, known as “Inga the Winger” to fans, has died aged 52.

New Zealand Rugby confirmed the news on Friday, describing Tuigamala as an “icon and inspiration” who achieved things “on and off the field others could only dream of”.

Tuigamala played 19 tests for New Zealand and 23 for Samoa, and has been described as the first winger who used his size to run through opponents rather than around them.

He later switched to rugby league and played 100 matches for English club Wigan, as well as playing for Samoa.

Near the end of his career he returned to rugby, and signed with England’s Newcastle Falcons for a fee of $1 million, which was   thought to be a world record at the time.

He was a fan favourite, a popular teammate, and known for his persistent smile and positive outlook.

Tuigamala’s cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, and comes just weeks after his younger sister, Helen Verry, died following an accident at a West Auckland Church.

“I suppose some of you have already heard the sad news of the passing of my baby sister Helen Verry,” he wrote on Facebook at the time.

“The youngest of 15 of us. Helen, we miss you so dearly and words would never be enough to fill the hole you have left.”

Prior to his death, Tuigamala was about to launch a new video series where he talked openly about his health struggles, including his recent diagnosis with type two diabetes.

In a trailer for the series, Tuigamala said he “was facing an early graveyard” and spoke of his family’s history with strokes.

“When I say early grave, my father died at the age of 48 from a stroke. He wasn’t obese, but he had a stroke and died and left 15 children to my mum to look after,” he siad in the clip.

“I suppose for me, I just don’t want to be another statistic. … The reality is, unfortunately I’ve been diagnosed with type two diabetes recently. I’m obese as you can see. High blood pressure, I had a stroke about nine years ago. I have really – in rugby terms – just dropped the ball.”

Tributes to the rugby legend have emerged online from leading figures in both sports, as well as from the teams he represented over the years.

“He was a fine player, a true superstar,” Bill Beaumont, the chairman of World Rugby, said. “My deepest condolences go to his family at this difficult time.”

Jason Robinson, Tuigamala’s former teammate at the Wigan Warriors, said the man had changed his life.

“I owe so much to this amazing man. Literally helped change my life when he came to Wigan Warriors from NZ. Sending all my love and condolences to the family at such a sad time,” he tweeted.

“An icon and an inspiration,” the All Blacks tweeted, along with a throwback photo and emojis depicting the New Zealand and Samoan flag.  

“Va’aiga Tuigamala is an all-time great who achieved things on and off the pitch others could only dream of.

“All Black number 900, you will never be forgotten.”

Image: Getty Images