New Zealand rugby Samoan legend Va'aiga Tuigamala - known as 'Inga the Winger' - has passed away.

He was 52.

Samoa-born Tuigamala's international rugby career spanned 19 tests for the All Blacks between 1991 and 1993 and, later, 23 tests for Manu Samoa from 1996.

Overseas media reports that tributes are pouring in from across the sporting world for Tuigamala.

After rugby turned professional for Tuigamala in 1996, he played for several English clubs and starred for Manu Samoa at the 1999 Rugby World Cup before retiring in 2002.