Former rugby international and longtime commentator Willie Los'e has died aged 55.
Willie Los'e working for Sky Sport. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Los'e has died in the South African city of Cape Town, where he was set to commentate on this weekend's Rugby Sevens World Cup.
Schooled at Auckland's Kelston Boys High, the lock/loose-forward represented the New Zealand under-21 team before going on to captain Tonga at the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
Los'e also played provincially for Auckland, North Harbour and Marlborough, and spent eight seasons playing professionally in Japan.
After retiring from rugby, Los'e moved into radio and then TV, where he forged a career as a respected commentator and analyst.
He spent many years working for Sky Sport, who paid tribute to him in a statement.
"We are very sorry to hear that Willie Los'e passed away last night in South Africa.
"Willie was a long-serving and highly-regarded member of the Sky Sport commentary team and the wider Sky family. Our thoughts and condolences are with Willie's whānau at this time."
We are very sorry to hear that Willie Los’e passed away last night in South Africa. Willie was a long-serving and highly-regarded member of the Sky Sport commentary team and the wider Sky family.
— Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz) September 8, 2022
Our thoughts and condolences are with Willie’s whānau at this time pic.twitter.com/LIKSimo54V
