Andy Farrell paid a heartfelt tribute to former team-mate Va'iga Tuigamala, whose death at the age of 52 was announced yesterday.
The Ireland head coach played alongside the former dual code international, who represented New Zealand and Samoa, at Wigan between 1993 and 1997.
"Yeah, you’ve got me there, 'cos he's a tremendous fella," an emotional Farrell told RTÉ Sport.
"I was very lucky to be able to spend some time with him. You know when you meet some people and they just touch you straight away, from the off.
"His smile, his generosity, his being as a person was outstanding.
"He touched everyone and he was very giving of his knowledge.
"I'm talking about him as a person here, and how he was as family man, a devoted husband and father.
"Whilst he was over at Wigan, the amount of people that used to come over and see him, not just family but friends, just shows what he means to people.
"When he left Wigan, we were all gutted because he added so much to the group.
"That's him as a person, and that is what we'll miss, first and foremost.
"I suppose from a rugby fan's point of view, he was awesome.
"I was in awe of him. I was young when I was playing with him, and I was in awe of his skill.
"He came over to rugby league, and it was daunting to him."
"Inga had obviously played rugby union on the wing and he wouldn't have been used to being thrown into the professional [rugby league] game.
"I remember him being thrown into a game playing centre against the legend of Mal Meninga and, wow, what a tussle.
"He adapted unbelievably well, because of his skill-set. He had unbelievable feet for such a big, dynamic, powerful beast of a man. I can't say enough about him."
Farrell is preparing his Ireland side for Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations match against Italy (3pm) and revealed how he heard the news of Tuigamala’s passing.
"I was on the training field yesterday, and it came up on my watch," he said.
"I couldn't believe it. I actually couldn't believe it. I had to have a minute to myself.
"Prayers and thoughts are obviously with his nearest and dearest. Very sad news for everyone."
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