Dual code rugby star Va'aiga Tuigamala dies at 52

Tributes flowed on Friday after the shock death at 52 of Va'aiga Tuigamala, affectionately known as 'Inga the winger' to fans of both rugby union and rugby league.

Tuigamala earned 19 caps for the All Blacks and represented Samoa in both rugby codes, as well as being a key part of the Wigan team that dominated English domestic rugby league in the early 1990s.

"Every now and then a player comes along who touches the heart and soul of every single fan, player, coach and administrator - Inga was one of them," Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski said.

The All Blacks described Tuigamala as "an icon and an inspiration".

"Va'aiga Tuigamala is an all-time great who achieved things on and off the pitch others could only dream of," the team tweeted.

"All Black number 900, you will never be forgotten."

An icon and an inspiration. Va'aiga Tuigamala is an all-time great who achieved things on and off the pitch others could only dream of.All Black number 900, you will never forgotten. ???????? pic.twitter.com/QPWVJOaQCO

Tuigamala played for the All Blacks at the 1991 World Cup before switching to represent his native Samoa in the 1995 Rugby League and 1999 union World Cups.

He also won 23 union and two league caps for Samoa.

Wallaby great Tim Horan likened Tuigamala's fearsome combination of speed and power to Jonah Lomu, who replaced him in the All Blacks No 11 shirt.

"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," he said.

With rugby union then still an amateur sport, Tuigamala joined the paid ranks by moving to league upon his arrival in the United Kingdom from New Zealand in 1993.

In five seasons at Wigan, he scored 62 tries in 102 appearances.

He also