Wigan Warriors great Va’aiga Tuigamala dies aged 52

Tuigamala made 102 appearances for Wigan during five seasons at the club; “Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to Inga’s family and friends at this awful time,” statement says

Wigan Warriors have announced that former player Va’aiga (Inga) Tuigamala has died aged 52.

Tuigamala played 102 games for Wigan during five seasons at the club between 1993 and 1997, scoring 62 tries.

He won three League titles with Wigan as well two Challenge Cups, two Regal Trophies and one Premiership title.

“Every now and then a player comes along who touches the heart and soul of every single fan, player, coach and administrator – Inga was one of them,” Kris Radlinski, Executive Director of Wigan Warriors said.

“He was one of the most exciting rugby players to play either code. His presence on the rugby field was huge.

“As a teenager, he gave me the most precious thing that anyone could, time. We would spend hours on the field doing one on one’s together. It is a very sad day for the Club. Rest in peace my friend.”

A club statement said: “Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to Inga’s family and friends at this awful time. Ahead of tonight’s game against Huddersfield Giants at the DW Stadium, there will be a minute’s silence to remember Inga.”

A huge nine players charged by Match Review Panel

Wigan Warriors and Catalans Dragons are on a collision course at Old Trafford as they battle it out for the Super League Title.

Wigan are chasing a sixth Super League title in 12 Grand Finals whilst Catalans are hoping for a first ever Super League title.

But before the Grand Final, there was a nervous disciplinary wait.

Two Catalans Dragons players were charged for high tackles but neither were given bans.

Liam Marshall was charged and fined for tripping.

The only bans went to Sione Mata’utia and Matty Lees of St Helens.

Following the latest round of Betfred Super League, Betfred Championship and Betfred Women’s Super League fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:

Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalans Dragons) – Grade B High Tackle – £250 Fine
Mike McMeeken (Catalans Dragons) – Grade A High Tackle – Not applicable
Sione Mata’utia (St Helens) – Grade C Strikes – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Matty Lees (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Moses Mbye (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – £250 Fine
Brad Schneider (Hull KR) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £250 Fine
Liam Marshall (Wigan Warriors) – Grade B Trips – £250 Fine
Brad Day (Featherstone Rovers) – Grade B Dangerous Throw – £125 Fine
Jason Baitieri (Bradford Bulls) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice

The last time Wigan got a ban there was real controversy because they were able to avoid serving them in the semi-final via the reserve loophole.