The Super Rugby community is mourning the death of Hurricanes halfback Nui Muriwai’s wife Mereana aged 21.

Mereana battled an extremely rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer — small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type — and was believed to be the only known case in New Zealand.

She died on Monday surrounded by her whanau (family), Wellington Rugby announced ahead of her funeral on Thursday.

“She is remembered as a loving, thoughtful and fiercely supportive young wahine whose warmth uplifted everyone around her,” the union said.

“Our deepest aroha goes out to Nui, the whanau, and all who loved Mereana. Our rugby community stands firmly with you at this incredibly difficult time. Moe mai ra, Mereana.”

Nui paid tribute at Mereana’s funeral, saying she “will always have

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