Rising New Zealand rugby star Sean Wainui killed in car crash

New Zealand rugby is mourning the loss of the 25-year-old who died at the scene of the single-vehicle accident near Tauranga on Monday morning.

Wainui was confirmed as the lone victim after police attended the accident in Omanawa, on New Zealand's north island, shortly before 6am [AEDT] on Monday.

Wallabies squad members Pete Samu and Lalakai Foketi played alongside Wainui at the Crusaders and Bay of Plenty respectively.

"It was definitely very sad news to hear about an hour ago," Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa said.

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"What we do know is that Pete played with him in the Crusaders, and Lalakai. A lot of our boys played against him and from playing against him, you always knew he was someone who wore his heart on his sleeve.

"Watching him lead the Maori haka, he was someone who had a lot of passion and pride in his Maori heritage.

"Condolences to his family, it was definitely a tragic loss for the rugby world but also the Wainui family, so sending our love and regards to them."

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson extended condolences to Wainui's wife Paige, their children Kawariki and Arahia, and their family.

"Our thoughts are with Sean and his whanau, particularly Paige, Kawariki and Arahia, and we offer them our full support at what is the most difficult of times," Robinson said.

"We know Sean's passing will be felt deeply by everyone involved in rugby, particularly his Bay of Plenty and Chiefs teammates, and we share their sorrow and their shock.

"We ask that media give the Wainui whanau space to grieve as we all reflect on a young life that has ended far too early."

Farah Palmer, NZ Maori Rugby board chair, labelled Wainui a role model for young Maori and a caring father.

"Today rugby is mourning one of our Rangatira, but our first thoughts are with Sean's whanau. They have lost a father, a husband, a brother and a son and we share their grief and their tears," Palmer said.

"As a player we all saw what this young tane was capable of and the passion and talent that he brought to the teams he represented, but we also saw a role model for young Maori, a caring father who was passionate about his culture, his language, and his identity. He will be sorely missed."

Wainui set a Super Rugby record in June when he became the first player to score five tries in a single match, inspiring a 40-7 romp over the NSW Waratahs at Brookvale Oval.

"We are heartbroken right now," the All Blacks tweeted on social media.

"Sean, you were an inspiration, and will never be forgotten. We extend all of our strength and aroha to your friends and whanau."

The outside back played 44 games for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, having played nine for the Canterbury Crusaders. Wainui had played played 53 games for Taranaki before moving to Bay of Plenty in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship this year.

Maori All Blacks, Chiefs and former Bay of Plenty Head Coach Clayton McMillan paid tribute to Wainui on a heartbreaking day for rugby.

"Sean was an incredibly talented individual and held a great amount of mana among his fellow teammates and the wider rugby community," McMillan said.

"He epitomised everything you could possibly ask for in a player. He will be remembered for being a passionate, hard-working, proud Maori who was an exceptional player but more importantly father and husband.

"He was an influential member in the teams he has been a part of, and his presence will be missed. Our sincere condolences to Paige, Kawariki and Arahia and his wider whanau at this difficult time. We are offering them our full support along with our players and staff."

With AAP.

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