Willie Los'e dies, aged 55

Former Tonga captain and New Zealand U21 representative Willie Los’e has died at the age of 55. 

Los’e was in South Africa to commentate on the imminent World Cup 7s tournament at the time of his death. 

His family released the following statement: 

"The Los'e whānau would like to thank Karl Te Nana, Bailey Mackey and World Rugby boss Steve Jamieson for contacting us directly from South Africa this morning relating to the sudden passing of our brother Willie. 

"We ask that as a whānau, we be given time to process and work through our devastating loss and the logistics of repatriation of our brother, father, uncle, son home. We are awaiting details from Cape Town. 

"Thanks to Steve Jamieson who has spoken to the New Zealand High Commission, who will be heading to Cape Town tomorrow to help with the repatriation of Willie's body to bring him home to Aotearoa. 

"We as a whānau are thankful to all Willie's friends from around the world who have sent their condolences and support. 

"Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou." 

During his provincial career, Los'e turned out for Auckland, North Harbour and Marlborough in the old National Provincial Championship from 1990 to 2001, while having a stint in Japan with Yamaha Jubilo.