Former All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao has publicly shared the devastating news of his eight-year-aged son, Leo’s, death following a short illness. Ta’avao announced the loss on social media today, describing his heartbreak and the profound impact Leo had on his life.
“We are heartbroken to share that our beautiful boy Leo has gained his angel wings,” Ta’avao wrote. “After a brief battle in PICU [Pediatric Intensive Care Unit], Leo passed away surrounded by his loved ones.”
Leo was born with partial trisomy 13, a rare genetic disorder that significantly impacted his development. He spent the first three months of his life in hospital, a period that deeply shaped the family’s perspective, according to Ta’avao.
In a 2018 interview with Stuff, when Leo was 14 months old, Ta’avao spoke of the joy his son brought him, describing Leo as a source of strength and inspiration. “If I’m having a difficult day, seeing him makes it all better,” he said. “The smile he gives us, gets me. It sounds so cliché, but when I see that, it melts my heart.”
Ta’avao, currently playing for the Highlanders after previous stints with the Chiefs and Blues, played in the Highlanders’ recent victory over the Crusaders on Friday night. The news of Leo’s passing has prompted a wave of support from within the rugby community.
All Blacks vice-captain Ardie Savea expressed his condolences, writing: “Praying and thinking of you and the family, uso.”
The Highlanders organization has yet to release an official statement regarding the tragedy, and Ta’avao has not indicated when he will return to play.
