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As the hours passed following the death of rugby legend Fesola’i Va’aiga Tuigamala, it became evident that he had touched the hearts of many he had come into contact with.
‘Absolute legend’, ‘true gentleman’, ‘powerful runner’, ‘humble man’, were among the epithets used on social media to characterise him.
The burly former All Black who earned the nickname ‘Inga the Winger’ died in Auckland on Thursday night, aged 52.
Born in Samoa and raised in West Auckland, he was a school boy rugby star who terrorised opponents for the Kelston Boys First XV. He would go on to become an All Black and then a rugby league star before returning to the code which launched his career.
An All Black for four years from 1989, he was blessed with explosive speed and power, qualities which served him well as a professional when, in 1993, he made the switch to the Wigan rugby league club in the UK. Exceeding expectations and excelling at Wigan, he went on to represent Samoa at the 1995 rugby league world cup.
In 1997, Tuigamala switched back to rugby union which had since become a professional enabling him to represent Samoa again, this time at the rugby world cup in 1999.
Those he influenced were not just the former players he shared the field with, many were just youngsters inspired by his example.
Former All Black centurion Malili ‘Mils” Muliaina remembers a visit Tuigamala made to Invercargill when he was still at school.
“I recall when he was on his book tour, my intermediate (school) teacher brought him around that night to our house with my six brothers and sister living in Invercargill and he came in and visited us.” Muliaina says.
“Here was this Samoan you know this was an All Black, a leader… so I kind of aspired to be like that, first and foremost there weren’t many Samoans in Invercargill,
“Here was an All Black now in my own house and he was one that was Samoan and Pacific,” says Muliaina.
Former Warriors rugby league star and Kiwi international Jerry Seuseu moved to the UK to play for Wigan in 2005, long after Tuigamala had left the club.
“I remember when I got there in 2005, support staff and fans still remembered him fondly and would ask if I was going to leave the same impact as he did in terms of his playing ability and achievements for the club, ‘we love our south sea island players,’ they would tell me.”
Seuseu says, growing up in South Auckland in the 1990s, as an All Black, Tuigamala was a huge inspiration even though he was playing a different code.
“One of the pioneers of the game for all Pasifika players,” he says.
On social media, former Samoa team mate and dual code player Apollo Perelini took to twitter with his heartfelt message:
“Saddest news to hear. We started primary school together and took our rugby journey to the UK. @Saints1890 for me and @WiganWarriorsRL for you my brother. RiL my dearest brother Inga(the winger) Tuigamala”
And former team mate for Wigan Rugby league in England, Jason Robinson OBE posted this message:
“Absolutely heartbroken!? I owe so much to this amazing man! Literally helped change my life when he came to @WiganWarriorsRL from NZ. Sending all my love and condolences to the family at such a sad time. RIP brother ??? #Inga #VaigaTuigamala ”
After an illustrious on-field career, Tuigamala hung up his rugby boots in 2002 to open a boxing gym where he helped young people while forging a relationship with his cousin, former professional heavyweight boxer and Olympic medalist, Faumuina To’aletai David Tua.
Always generous with his time and commitment, he lent his support to many causes in the community which included founding the Pacific Islands Sports Awards in 2011.
In 2008 Va’aiga was recognised for services to rugby and the community and was appointed a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Later on, Tuigamala opened a funeral business in West Auckland which had to be placed in liquidation in 2013. Reportedly, he was owed around $130,000 in unpaid funeral fees but found it difficult to collect money from ’vulnerable’ people.
Community leaders like Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni acknowledged his passing in this tweet:
“Waking to the sadness of the news that Inga Tuigamala has passed. West Auckland will never be the same. That big smile and big heart.”
And former National list MP Agnes Loheni shared her memories of her friendship with Va’aiga that spanned more than 25 years.
“So many wonderful memories to reflect on in the coming days…his big infectious smile, his positivity about life and passionate about his faith and family”.
One of 15 children in his family, Tuigamala tragically lost his younger sister only four weeks ago in an incident at a West Auckland church. He is survived by his wife Daphne and four children.
