Sky Sports rugby commentator Willie Los’e, was pronounced dead in South Africa on Wednesday, September 7.
The former Tonga international, 55, was in Cape Town to prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament.
The 2022 Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place from September 9 to September 11, in South Africa.
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In a statement issued by the family the death of Los'e was first announced by the officials organizing the global showpiece.
“The Los'e whānau 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,” part of their statement read.
The family asked to be given time to come to terms with the loss of their kin as they work through the logistics of repatriating his body.
It was also noted that the New Zealand High Commission, will be heading to Cape Town on Friday, September 9, to facilitate the the repatriation.
Sky Sports paid tribute to Los’e highlighting his long service on the commentary team where he was a highly regarded member.
Willie Los’e played for the New Zealand under-21 side. He was also the captain for captained Tonga at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
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