The Maori All Blacks completed an emotional haka against Ireland in tribute to their former player Sean Wainui, who died after a car crash in October 2021.
Wainui, who was just 25, made 44 appearances for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, and also featured for the Maori All Blacks 10 times.
On Wednesday, Ireland took on the Maori All Blacks in Hamilton (read more on the result here) ahead of a three-Test series against the All Blacks, who have uploaded an emotional tribute to the former winger on Twitter.
READ MORE: 'One of the most incredible ever' hakas in Black Ferns match
The clip starts out with Ireland's Bundee Aki walking out towards the Maoris with an Ireland No. 11 shirt to pay tribute to the former Chiefs man, which was met with a warm applause inside the ground.
The Maoris are seen in a huddle before their haka, and they remain together while the haka leader begins the world-renowned tradition. The Maoris are arm in arm as they call back to the leader. TJ Perenara is the first to break away from the huddle as more cries are heard. They take formation in a V-shape, and the haka leader takes control again.
As the camera pans across the haka, a picture tribute to Wainui is seen in the background on the match television. The knee-slapping reverberates around the ground before the haka comes to a close. The conclusion of the performance is met with a resounding applause from around the stands.
Wainui's family then walked out onto the pitch as his wife Paige and their two children are welcomed with another touching applause. They take Ireland's No. 11 shirt tribute away as the Maoris wave to the children.
The Maori All Blacks stayed in complete formation without moving until Sean's family fully exited the field, in a mark of true respect to their former team-mate.
"That's what Sean Wainui means to the Maori All Black family," said the commentator.
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