'He always had a smile on his face': New Zealand rugby is rocked as a star prop suddenly dies aged 23 - leaving behind his girlfriend and a young daughter
- New Zealand rugby star Michael Tamoaieta, 23, died suddenly on Friday
- His cause of death has not been revealed and his family has asked for privacy
- He was remembered by his coach as a hard worker with an 'infectious character'
- Do you know more? Email hannah.moore@mailonline.com
Michael Tamoaieta, 23, died suddenly on Friday. He was a prop for the Auckland Blues and a devoted father of one
New Zealand rugby prop Michael Tamoaieta, 23, has left his family, friends and teammates devastated after his sudden death on Friday.
The 'infectious character' was 'always happy and laughing', friends said, and Auckland Blues coach Tom Coventry said the man's passing has been 'devastating' for the rugby community.
'He was a great kid, a big happy-go-lucky chap, always up for a joke, always got a smile on his face, he never took himself too seriously,' he told reporters.
'He's going to leave a big hole in our team and with the rugby public. We're going to miss him dearly.'
The cause of Tamoaieta's death is not yet known, with his partner, Helen Ti'eti'e, asking for privacy.
'To our dearest family and friends, it is with great sadness to announce the passing of our beloved Mike Tamoaieta,' she wrote on Facebook on Sunday.
'Our wonderful, beautiful friend, brother, amazing uncle and father to Aihana.
'At this time, our family ask for privacy until further notice. We appreciate all your prayers, love and support through this difficult time.'
The cause of Tamoaieta's death is not yet known, with his partner, Helen Ti'eti'e, asking for privacy
Tamoaieta (pictured with a friend's daughter) was beloved by his family and teammates, who praised his helpful nature
Tamoaieta's partner Helen (pictured is the rugby player with Helen and his daughter) said he was a 'wonderful, beautiful friend, brother, amazing uncle and father to Aihana'
Tamoaieta made his rugby debut last season, and had played 10 super rugby games for the Blues before his sudden death.
His teammates were in Buenos Aires when they heard the news.
'It was a tough day,' Mr Coventry said.
'We spoke about Mikey and reminisced about him and our team and how influential he's been.'
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The team had been preparing for a game against the Jaguares when they heard the news, and despite their best efforts, were not able to win the match.
They are hoping to give the 23-year-old a 'good farewell' during the week, and will be playing with him in mind when they come up against the Sunwolves.
'We'll get home and give Mikey a farewell during the course of the week,' he said.
'We get back to (North Harbour) Stadium which is Mikey's home province, so we'll have plenty to play for.'
Tamoaieta's teammates were 'devastated' when they found out about his unexpected death, and hope to give him a proper farewell this week
The 23-year-old had played 10 super rugby games for the blues before his sudden death
Tamoaieta made a strong impression on his first day as a professional rugby player when he turned up for training straight from a building site.
'I remember the very first day he turned up he'd been on the building site, had his boots on, his Swandri, was covered in sawdust, and as Mike used to wear his hair pretty long, draped round his shoulders, I wondered who this rooster was who had turned up for training,' Coventry said.
Friend and former teammate Eastley Tameifuna said on Saturday the news was horrible to wake up to.
'One of the best guys I knew... always happy and laughing whenever I saw him, and always helped me when he saw me struggling,' he said.
'Much love for you and your little family doko, [gonna] be missed by many.'
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