Rugby star Sean Wainui's car crash death: Rousing haka performed, fundraising nears $250,000

The heartbreaking moment was shared by Sean's heartbroken widow. Photo / Instagram

A group of friends and whānau performed a rousing haka for the widow and children of Sean Wainui as the rugby star began his final journey home for his tangi.

Wainui's heartbroken wife Paige held her children close as they witnessed the spine-tingling haka.

She shared the poignant tribute to her Instagram account.

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A post shared by Paige Wainui (@paiggefox)

"This pain is unbearable. Kei te hoki koe ki tō whenua taurikura my baby māku koe e arahi. I know your waiting for us. We're on our way to gizzy bringing you home now baby," she wrote in the caption.

Tributes have flowed for the Māori All Blacks and Chiefs star Wainui, 25, who died in a car crash on Monday, near Tauranga.

The young couple had just recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

Paige watched the haka while holding on to the couple's two children, Kawariki and Arahia.

Just a few months ago, a video of Wainui teaching his 8-month-old son Kawariki to do the haka went viral.

The couple had celebrated their first wedding anniversary just six weeks ago. At the time, Wainui posted a loving caption about life with his best friend Paige.

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A post shared by Sean Wainui (@seanwainui)

"One year of marriage with my darling. Love you more and more everyday. Here's to another 100," he wrote.

Fundraiser for family nears $250,000

More than $242,000 has so far been raised via a Givealittle page set up by the Chiefs.

"Sean Wainui was an incredible rugby player, father, husband and proud of his Māori heritage," the Chiefs wrote on the fundraising page.

The Chiefs consider Paige, Kawariki and Arahia part of their whānau.

"With the outpouring of love from the rugby world and fans both nationally and internationally, our club wanted to set up a way we can all contribute to Sean's family during this difficult time.

"Once a Chief, always a Chief," they said.

Wainui, 25, died in a single-vehicle crash about 7.50am at McLaren Falls Park, near Tauranga, on Monday.

A tough week for the Chiefs whānau

Chiefs Rugby Club chief executive Michael Collins told the AM Show it had been a really tough week for Sean's whānau, the wider Chiefs players and staff.

"A sudden loss like this is always hard to handle."

Wainui has won numerous awards including the Chiefs' coach player of the year award and had a remarkable career since the end of his school days. He was a player coaches could depend on, Collins said.

Collins said the Givealittle page set up had been from all of rugby to raise some koha from the family and create a space where fans, season members and sponsors can start their grieving purpose.

While some of the All Blacks players have been told they don't need to play in the next game, Collins said he thinks Sean would want people to go out and play and do the things they would normally be doing.

"He was such a genuine character, lovely bloke, very humble."

Collins said it was clear how much he loved his family. "Every time you spoke to him, you could see it in is face, in his voice, in his expressions."