Former Tonga international and revered sports broadcaster Willie Los'e has died at the age of 55.
The former lock or loose forward was born in New Zealand but went on to represent Tonga in three pool matches at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. He was in Cape Town ready to commentate on the Sevens Rugby World Cup for Sky Sports.
After a playing career that saw him represent Auckland, North Harbour and Marlborough in the NPC, as well as a stint in Japan, Los'e become a well-respected sports broadcaster, first in radio and then in television.
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In a statement, his family said: "The Los'e whānau (family) 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. (Thank you very much)."
Renowned for his humour and generosity, Los'e's passing has the sports broadcasting fraternity in New Zealand in mourning.
"He was somebody who has been part of the sporting fabric of radio and television in New Zealand and around the world for the best part of 15 years," Ken Laban, described as 'the Godfather of sports broadcasting', told The Platform.
"He's a larger than life character, eloquent, extremely entertaining and a very sad loss as somebody so popular, loved and admired around the world. It's a very sad day today."
Newstalk ZB's Elliot Smith added: "Willie was unfailingly polite and generous with his time for young broadcasters," Smith said. "He stepped into the breach last year when my expert commentator was unavailable at the last minute for a test match when Willie was down to do sideline comments. He pivoted and did both jobs at once with aplomb. That was Willie to a tee, nothing seemed to faze him."
In a comment, the All Blacks added: "On the field he was tough and uncompromising, off it he was a respected and renowned voice. Willie Los’e, you will be missed by the rugby family."
Aussie rugby commentator Greg Clarke said: "So sad to hear that our great mate Willie Los’e has passed away in Cape Town while preparing to call @WorldRugby7s. So many great memories on the 7s commentary circuit. Another gone too soon. Thoughts are with his Family and many friends. RIP Willie."
Another Australian commentator, Sean Maloney, added: "The Rugby World lost a really, really special one today in Willie Los’e. He showed many of us the way in commentary and was always smiling when he did. A great man who genuinely loved the game and who will be deeply and sadly missed."
The circumstances surrounding Los'e's passing have not been made public.
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