The family of Fesola’i Lealuga Va'aiga Tuigamala say that while the former All Black star was a global sporting icon, to them he was simply a “family man, a proud Samoan and a loyal servant of God.”

The family, including his wife Daphne, children and grandchildren, made the heartfelt tribute in a statement released to the media after the passing of Fesola’i on Friday. He was 52.

"It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce our husband, father and grandfather has passed away unexpectedly," the statement reads.

"Va'aiga Lealuga Tuigamala was respected and recognised globally as 'Inga The Winger' - former All Black, Manu Samoa, New Castle Falcon, London Wasp and Wigan Warrior.

"To us, he was an adoring family man, a proud Samoan and a loyal servant of God.”

The death of Fesola’i has brought tremendous sadness to the global community, including the Pacific and in Samoa where he was loved and well admired. He had spent a lot of his time in Samoa recently, developing the sport of boxing and a tour company, before he returned to be with his family at the beginning of 2021.

In the media statement, the family says they are still finalising Inga’s final funeral arrangements.

“It is a tragedy for anyone to suffer a loss like ours, and it is made even harder in these strange times. We thank you for your continued prayers," the statement reads.

"We know that people admired him for the way he conducted himself through every season of life; with a cheeky grin from ear to ear and a heart that was always ready to serve. If people ever wanted to know what it means to be humble, courageous and God-fearing, he was a true testament.

"We will always remember him for a smile that was so infectious it could light up an entire stadium. Inga never let anyone dim his light and his humble heart was always about serving others. The one defining trait about Inga was that he loved people.

"We would like to acknowledge all the medical professionals who worked hard to keep him with us. We would also like to thank all those who have prayed and sent their well wishes and condolences. We and our wider family take comfort in knowing you are all standing with us during this difficult time.”

In a New Zealand Herald interview, Fesola’i’s close friends and All Black teammates, Saveatama Eroni Clarke and Sir Savae Laauli Michael Jones pay tribute to Inga.

"He was so unassuming, he was charismatic," Saveatama said. "That smile we all remember from those years ago when he came on in the 'Say Cheese' ads was probably one of the biggest things. When he scored a try, his smile would just light up everything.

"I got the privilege of spending some time with him, particularly over the last six months and the journey that he's had through health and wellbeing. It was an amazing time to see him championing that, particularly in our Pacific community, which we see feature negatively in the health statistics. He was really championing that and wanted to make a change. So he was an influencer, loved his community and loved people."

Saveatama also paid tribute to Tuigamala's one-of-a-kind ability on the field, saying he was the hardest winger he's ever defended against.

"People have often asked me who was the hardest [wingers] that I've ever marked, and I would honestly and clearly say to them ... it was Inga because he'd be right in front of you one second, and the next, he'd be sidestepping you.

"I don't know how Michael [Jones] and other loose forwards were able to even follow him. Certainly as a defender I found it really hard to tackle him. It was just a swing of those hips and the thighs and the step, it was everything that you would see of Inga."

Savae echoed Saveatama’s sentiments, remembering a time when he tried to teach a young, up-and-coming Tuigamala a lesson on the field after he was compared to Sir Bryan Williams, one of Jones' heroes, in the media.

"How dare they compare him to the great Sir BG, so I thought I better make a statement," Savae said.

"I ran up to him, he just stood there and had a bit of a cheeky smile, and then he did this little stutter, I stopped, and next thing he had gone way past me and I missed him. I sort of chased him back and he had scored under the goalpost. So that was my first recognition of my dear brother.

"[He was] one of the most majestic rugby players and athletes I've ever seen."

Lakapi Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, said Inga’s passing is a great loss to the global community.

“Inga as he was known by everyone,” Faleomavaega said. “Inga never failed to give his time when Lakapi Samoa needed his assistance in the union’s various review panels utilising his vast experience but he was also very much a sought after motivational speaker in the community.”

One of the last global conferences Fesola’i had the opportunity to inspire was the Third Clean Pacific Roundtable hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme towards the end of 2021.

 “It’s the small things such as encouraging people to take pride in themselves and their homes,” the late Fesola’i said during the CPRT. 

“As a sportsman, I was brought up with these two words, TEAM and PRIDE. Team stood for Together Everyone Achieves More. Pride stands for Personal Responsibility In Delivering Excellence and that’s the message; I want to get people to take pride in their homes, that’s where we can start, that’s where we can make a big difference.”

In a statement, SPREP paid tribute to an advocate for the Pacific environment.

“SPREP joins the global community to express sadness and our condolences at the passing of the legendary ‘Inga the Winger,’ Fesola’i Va’aiga Tu’igamala. 

An inspirational global sporting icon, Fesola’i, among other things was a strong advocate for the Pacific Environment, having played an instrumental role in changing mindsets about waste and pollution in the Pacific during the Third Clean Pacific Roundtable, last year. Our thoughts and prayers are with Daphne, children, grandchildren, families and loved ones.”

As a “loyal servant of God,” Inga would be remembered for his heartfelt session during the FITMAN 2020 Conference where he spoke about the successes, failures and his journey to find himself.

In a statement posted on the conference’s website, it reads: “You are the epitome of what FITMAN was. You were more than just a legend in the game of rugby. 

"To us, you were an imperfect man saved by the grace of God, and you went on to inspire us all with your charisma, your humility, your inspirational and anointed testimony, your passion to see every man know the Lord, but most of all, your desire to know Him more and then, return to your most treasured prize…your precious mum, your beautiful children, grandchildren and most of all - your beautiful wife, Daphne.

"We will forever miss you. We will forever love you."

Fesolai Tuigamala played 20 matches for the All Blacks from 1989 to 1993, including 19 tests, and was a member of the 1991 Rugby World Cup squad.

After playing rugby league in the UK for Wigan, he returned to rugby and played 23 tests for Samoa, including at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.