Tributes pour in for Va'aiga Tuigmala who has died aged 52

Tributes have poured in for dual-code rugby international Va'aiga Tuigamala, famously known as Inga the Winger, who has died at the age of 52.

Tuigamala, who played for New Zealand and also represented Samoa, was a member of the all-conquering Wigan Warriors team of the early 1990s.

The club which he played 102 games for between 1993 and 1997, scoring 62 tries, confirmed his death on Thursday morning.

This morning, Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news that former player Va’aiga (Inga) Tuigamala has passed away.

Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to the family and friends at this awful time.

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They tweeted: 'This morning, Wigan Warriors are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic news that former player Va'aiga (Inga) Tuigamala has passed away.

'Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to the family and friends at this awful time.'

As reported by The Sun, news of his death comes just weeks after his younger sister, pastor Helen Verry died on January 30 after being injured at a church in West Auckland.

His sister was the youngest of 15 siblings and it's said that a workplace accident is being investigated.

Another former dual-code international and Wigan team-mate Jason Robinson has led the tributes to Tuigamala. 

He tweeted: "Absolutely heartbroken! I owe so much to this amazing man! Literally helped change my life when he came to @WiganWarriorsRL from NZ. Sending all my love and condolences to the family at such a sad time. RIP brother.'

Apollo Perelini, who played alongside Tuigamala for Samoa's rugby league side, tweeted:  'Saddest news to hear. We started primary school together and took our rugby journey to the UK – Saints for me and Wigan for you