Andy Farrell has paid an emotional tribute to his former team-mate Va'aiga Tuigamala, who died yesterday at the age of 52.
Tuigamala, who was nicknamed 'Inga the Winger', was capped 19 times by the All Blacks before switching to rugby league.
After joining Farrell at Wigan in 1993, Tuigamala scored 62 tries in 102 games. He won three league titles and two Challenge Cups, as well as the World Cup Challenge against Brisbane Broncos.
He went on to represent Samoa at the 1995 World Cup (rugby league) and later in the 1999 World Cup (union).
He also helped Wasps and Newcastle Falcons to win the Premiership title.
Ireland boss Farrell revealed this afternoon that he learned of the sad news at training yesterday, and it came as a massive shock.
“Yeah, you have got me there because he is a tremendous fellah," said Farrell.
"I mean, I was very lucky to be able to spend some time with him. You know when you meet some people and they just touch you straight away from the off. That was Inga.
"His smile, his generosity, just being around him as a person was outstanding. He touched everyone. He was very giving with his knowledge.
“I’m talking about him as a person here. How he was as a family man, a husband, a father.
"The amount of people that came over to see him when he was at Wigan, not just family but friends, just shows what he means to people.
"When he left Wigan we were all gutted because he added so much to the group, so that is him as a person and that is what we will miss first and foremost because from a rugby fans point of view, he was awesome.
"I was in awe of him, of his skill. I was young when I met him. He came over to rugby league and it was daunting for him because Inga had obviously played rugby union on the wing and he wouldn’t have been used to being thrown into the professional game.
“I remember him being thrown into a game in the centre against the legend that is Mal Meninga and what a tussle that was. He adapted unbelievably well because of his skill set.
"He had unbelievably feet for such a big, dynamic, powerful beast of a man. I can’t say enough about him.
"I was on the training field yesterday, and the news came up on my watch. I couldn’t believe it. I actually couldn’t believe it.
“I needed to take a minute to myself so my prayers and thoughts are obviously with his nearest and dearest. This is very sad news for everyone.”
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