Willie Los'e died in South Africa where he was due to commentate on the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament.
He played for the New Zealand under-21 side and later captained Tonga at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, playing in all three pool games.
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
In a statement, his family said he was a proud West Aucklander.
Playing as a lock and loose forward, Willie Los'e represented Auckland, North Harbour, and Marlborough in the old National Provincial Championship from 1990 to 2001, while having a stint in Japan with Yamaha Jubilo.
After his playing career, Los'e was a host with Radio Sport and ZB, and a rugby commentator for Gold Sport and Sky TV.
His family said captaining Tonga had been a career highlight.
[Source: NZ Herald]
So sad to hear that our great mate Willie Los’e has passed away in Cape Town while preparing to call @WorldRugby7s. So many great memories on the 7s commentary circuit. Another gone too soon. Thoughts are with his Family and many friends. RIP Willie
— Greg Clark (@greg_clarkie) September 8, 2022
@Aussie7s pic.twitter.com/VtEete2r8z
