Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega said: “We are saddened to hear of Fesola’i Vaaiga Tuigamala’s passing. “Inga as he was known by everyone during the peak of his rugby career was an international superstar of pure strength and a powerful runner with the ball-in-hand”.

He came onto the international scene in 1989 and became an All Black representing New Zealand from 1989 -1993 including RWC in 1991. At the peak of his career he switched code and became an integral part of the successful Wigan team in the 90s.

When Rugby Union turned professional in 1995, Inga returned to rugby and was selected in the Manu Samoa team from 1996 – 1999 where he represented his beloved Manu Samoa 23 times including the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

Off the field, Faleomavaega said; “Inga was a humble person with a cheerful personality and very much loved and respected by all he associated with.” “ Inga never failed to give his time when Lakapi Samoa needed his assistance in the Union’s various review panels utilizing his vast experience but he was also very much a sought after motivational speaker in the community.”

Former Manu Samoa Head Coach and as the Team Manager in the RWC99 team Su’a Peter Schuster said; “Manu Samoa family has lost one of the hardest rugby player and team man to have worn the blue-jersey. He exemplified a professional attitude on and off the field and always puts his team mates and Country first.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Daphne, his children and grandchildren through these hard times.