Please find below a short written statement from the Wainui whānau as well as details on this weekend’s Bunnings Warehouse NPC and Heartland Championship matches. 

Wainui Whānau Statement

On behalf of Sean's whānau, his Wife Paige and her whānau. 

We just want to thank everyone for their love and generosity.

The beautiful tributes that have come from those who loved him all across the world means a lot to us all. We understand there are many hurting right now and wanting to hear from the whānau, but please respect that we have just lost our baby brother, a son, a husband and a father and our focus right now is healing and laying my brother to rest. 

Thank you all again for respecting the whānau's wishes. 

Bunnings Warehouse NPC and Heartland Championship Update 

The Bunnings Warehouse NPC match between Bay of Plenty and Northland, scheduled to be played at Tauranga Domain at 2.05pm this Sunday, will be postponed. 

After consulting with their playing groups, both unions agreed it did not feel appropriate to play on the day of Sean Wainui’s tangi. 

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is working with the Bay of Plenty and Northland unions to reschedule the match, which had been scheduled to be played and will announce details in due course. 

Additionally, as a sign of respect to Sean and his whānau NZR have asked the rugby community to come together to acknowledge Sean’s life prior to all Bunnings Warehouse NPC and Heartland Championship matches this weekend. 

Players, coaches, managers and match officials will be wearing black armbands and Sean will also be acknowledged via a special tribute and moment's silence prior to each match this weekend.

All members of the public who purchased a match ticket can keep hold of it until the rescheduled game or alternatively we can process a refund.

Article added: Friday 22 October 2021