The funeral service for Tongan born rugby player Sione Tu’itupu Lauaki will be held on Saturday, February 18 in Auckland, New Zealand. 

The former All Blacks and Waikato Chiefs player tragically passed away on Sunday, February 12 from kidney failure.

Tributes have since been flowing in for the 35-year-old from his rugby family in New Zealand, friends and families who extended their prayers and heartfelt condolences.

In a statement from the Lauaki family, Dr ‘Ana Koloto said the funeral and farewell service will be held at 10:00am at the Church Unlimited in Glendene followed by interment at Waikumete Cemetery, Waitakere.

They recognised that Sione used his rugby talent to hold, uplift and carry his family because of his love and appreciation of his humble upbringing in Tonga.

“The family greatly appreciates the prayers, messages of love, condolences and all the support that they have received during this most devastating time.”

The Lauaki family  have requested that they be given some private time to spend with Sione "and deal with the sudden wave of grief that has unexpectedly swept through the family home."

The family will share the funeral program and farewell service on Saturday.