Mike Tamoaieta


Michael Tamoaieta was a Samoan-born, Gilbertese origin, New Zealand rugby union player. A prop, Tamoaieta represented at a provincial level, and played for the in the Super Rugby competition.
Tamoaieta died on 1 March 2019.

Professional career

2017–2019

In August 2017, the North Harbour Rugby Union released their 33-man squad for the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup with the inclusion of Tamoaieta. He was one of five players announced to make their debut in week one of the competition against Otago at QBE Stadium. Tamoaieta started in the match day fifteen at tighthead prop.

Personal life

Death

Tamoaietas died on 1 March 2019, aged 23, at his home in Auckland which was announced on social media by his partner Helen Ti'eti'e the following day. The cause of death was not made public. Tributes and condolences were offered by New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew, New Zealand international Ardie Savea, and the Blues Super Rugby franchise. In week two of the 2019 Super Rugby season, New Zealand teams, the Chiefs, the Crusaders, and the Blues wore black armbands to pay their respects and an acknowledgment of his life at their respective games in Hamilton, Brisbane, and Argentina.

Statistics

Updated: 29 September 2018
Source: