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Willie Los’e Wiki, Age, Wife, Children, Family, Cause of Death, Net Worth, Obituary, Funeral

Willie Los’e Biography – Willie Los’e Wiki

Willie Los’e (born Wiliam Keith Los’e) was a Tongan former rugby union player, TV and radio broadcaster. Los’e played for the New Zealand under-21 side and later captained Tonga at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, playing all three pool games.

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 Newstalk ZB, and a rugby commentator for Gold Sport and Sky TV.

His career highlight was captaining Tonga. In an interview with fellow rugby commentator Keith Quinn on Quinn’s blog, Los’e said:

“Firstly, I’ll go for two of my very proudest moments? That’s easy. Becoming a dad for the first and second time were days I will never forget. Then in a rugby sense playing my first test at the Rugby World Cup in South Africa in 1995. It was Tonga v France at Loftus Versfeld Ground in Pretoria. I cried right through the Tongan national anthem – I just wished and wished my parents had been still alive to have been there.

Willie Los’e Age

Wiliam Keith Los’e was born on 22 July 1967 in Auckland, New Zealand. He died on 7 September 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa. He was 55 years old.

Willie Los’e Family

New Zealand rugby commentator Willie Los’e was married with two children.

Willie Los’e Death

Former Tonga international and rugby broadcaster Willie Los’e died in Cape Town, South Africa on 7 September 2022, at the age of 55. He was preparing to commentate on Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in Cape Town.

His family confirmed his death in a statement via NZ Herald: “The Los’e whānau would like to thank Karl Te Nana, Bailey Mackey and World Rugby boss Steve Jamieson for contacting us directly from South Africa this morning relating to the sudden passing of our brother Willie.

“We ask that as a whānau, we be given time to process and work through our devastating loss and the logistics of repatriation of our brother, father, uncle, son home. We are awaiting details from Cape Town.

“Thanks to Steve Jamieson who has spoken to the New Zealand High Commission, who will be heading to Cape Town tomorrow to help with the repatriation of Willie’s body to bring him home to Aotearoa.

“We as a whānau are thankful to all Willie’s friends from around the world who have sent their condolences and support.

“Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou.”

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “Willie was a larger than life and much loved member of the World Rugby family and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”

A spokesperson for Sky Sport NZ said: “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. Our thoughts and condolences are with Willie’s whānau at this time 🖤”

Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith said Los’e will be remembered for his generosity and calmness under pressure.

“Willie was unfailingly polite and generous with his time for young broadcasters. He stepped into the breach last year when my expert commentator was unavailable at the last minute for a test match when Willie was down to do sideline comments. He pivoted and did both jobs at once with aplomb. That was Willie to a tee, nothing seemed to faze him.”

Willie Los’e Cause of Death

Los’e’s cause of death was not revealed.