Rugby: Tributes flow for former All Blacks, Samoa great Va'aiga Tuigamala after sudden death

The death of beloved former All Blacks and Manu Samoa star Va'aiga Tuigamala has sent shockwaves through the rugby community.

On Friday, Tuigamala died at the age of just 52 years. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Tributes from both the rugby and rugby league community have poured in since the news broke.

The All Blacks called Tuigamala an "icon" and an "all-time great".

Tuigamala played 19 tests for the All Blacks and 23 for Manu Samoa. He made his debut for the All Blacks at the 1991 World Cup against USA, before switching to Manu Samoa in 1996, who he'd go on to represent at the 1999 World Cup.

The official Rugby World Cup account called Tuigamala a "true great who gave everything on the field for New Zealand and Samoa".

The Auckland stalwart was also a renowned rugby league player. He made the switch from rugby in 1994, signing on with UK Super League powerhouse Wigan, where he won three league titles and scored 62 tries in 102 appearances.

Tuigamala's close friend and former Manu Samoa and Wigan teammate Apollo Perelini said his death was the "saddest news to hear".

Another of his Wigan teammates, Jason Robinson, wrote a heartfelt tribute to Tuigamala, who he credited with helping keep his career on the rails after struggles with alcohol abuse.

"Absolutely heartbroken," Robinson tweeted. "I owe so much to this amazing man!

"Literally helped change my life when he came to [Wigan] from NZ. Sending all my love and condolences to the family at such a sad time".

Wigan also recognised Tuigamala's immense contribution to their side's success in the mid-90s.

The team held a one-minute silence in Tuigamala's memory, before their match against Huddersfield on Friday.

Former Samoan international Junior Poluleuligaga called Tuigamala one of his idols as an aspiring young player.

One of Tuigamala's former on-field rivals, Wallabies great Tim Horan, described him as the pre-evolutionary Jonah Lomu.

"So sad to hear the passing of Va'aiga Tuigamala," Horan tweeted. "Inga was Jonah before Jonah arrived. Jonah and Inga were the two players in the All Blacks you never wanted to see with the ball. 

"Thoughts and prayers from the Rugby family."