Lakapi Samoa pays tribute to the late Inga the Winger

APIA, SAMOA – 25 FEBRUARY 2022: Lakapi Samoa has joined the international flow of tributes and condolences in the passing of former Manu Samoa legend – Fesola’i Vaaiga Tuigamala.

The dual-code rugby legend, died in Auckland, New Zealand last night aged 52.

“We are saddened to hear of Fesola’i Vaaiga Tuigamala’s passing,” said Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i.

“Inga as he was known by everyone during the peak of his rugby career was an international superstar of pure strength and a powerful runner with the ball-in-hand.”

He came onto the international scene in 1989 and became an All Black representing New Zealand from 1989 -1991 including RWC in 1991. At the peak of his career he switched code and became an integral part of the successful Wigan team in the 90s.

When Rugby Union turned professional in 1996, Inga returned to rugby and was selected in the Manu Samoa team from 1996 – 1999 where he represented his beloved Manu Samoa 23 times including the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

Fesolai Vaaiga Tuigamala, Manu Samoa #305

Off the field, Faleomavaega said, “Inga was a humble person with a cheerful personality and very much loved and respected by all he associated with.”

“Inga never failed to give his time when Lakapi Samoa needs his assistance in the Unions various review panels using his vast experience but he was also very much a sought after motivational speaker in the community.”

Former Manu Samoa Head Coach and as the Team Manager in the RWC99 team, Su’a Peter Schuster said, “Manu Samoa family has lost one of the hardest rugby player and team man to have worn the blue-jersey. He exemplified a professional attitude on and off the field and always puts his team mates and Country first.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Daphne, his children and grandchildren through these hard times.

Tributes from Teams Mates
Jason Robinson, Tuigamala’s team-mate at Wigan, tweeted: “Absolutely heartbroken. I owe so much to this amazing man. He literally helped change my life when he came to Wigan Warriors from NZ. Sending all my love and condolences to the family at such a sad time. RIP brother.”
Apollo Perelini, who played alongside Tuigamala for Samoa RL, tweeted: “Saddest news to hear. We started primary school together and took our rugby journey to the UK – Saints for me and Wigan for you my brother. RIP my dearest brother, Inga (the winger) Tuigamala.”

“He was one of the most exciting rugby players to play either code. His presence on the rugby field was huge. As a teenager, he gave me the most precious thing that anyone could, time. We would spend hours on the field doing one on one’s together. It is a very sad day for the club. Rest in peace my friend.”

Nicknamed Inga the Winga, Tuigamala will be forever remembered as one of the greatest overseas players ever to grace the soil of British rugby league.

Living full circle from Samoa to New Zealand and back again.
Tuigamala was born in Faleasiu, Samoa and moved to New Zealand as a child where his rare talents flourished and took him across the world switching codes and later a double New Zealand/Samoan international. He was Kelston Boys first All Black and the school sports field is named after him.