The Chiefs have launched a Givealittle page to support the young family of Sean Wainui, who died in a car crash on Monday morning near Tauranga, aged 25.
All proceeds from the Givealittle page will go directly to Wainui's wife, Paige, and their two children - son Kawariki and daughter Arahia.
As of 7pm Wedneday, $142,000 had been donated.
"Sean Wainui was an incredible rugby player, father and husband, and proud of his Māori heritage," the Chiefs said in a tribute to Wainui.
"His wife, Paige, and beautiful children Kawariki and Arahia are part of our whānau, and with the outpouring of love from the rugby world and fans, both nationally and internationally, our club wanted to set up a way we can all contribute to Sean’s family in this difficult time.
"Once a Chief, always a Chief."
Wainui played 44 matches and scored 18 tries for the Chiefs, after joining the Hamilton-based Super Rugby franchise in 2018.
