Deceased On Field That We Know Of Joeli Fifita Pita Fuafiva Tino Amote Joeli Vave Cory Davis Robert Hickland (SCI) Willie Halaifonua (TBI) Jordon Kemp (TBI) Daniel Baldwin (TBI) Geoff Toni (cardiac arrest) Bevan Moody (cardiac arrest) 2000 † 2001 † 2002 † 2002 † 2005 † 2008 † 2013 † 2014 † 2015 † 2017 † 2017 † Lelea Potaufa (cardiac arrest) 2020 † Murphy Johnston (cardiac arrest) 2021 † Toko Haupuku (cardiac arrest) 2021 † Mark Weedon (cardiac arrest) Robert Tuari (cardiac arrest) Cory Heather (TBI) Jade Halkett (cardiac arrest) Elikena ‘Ali’ Prescott (cardiac arrest) 2024 † Brook Wilson (cardiac arrest) Dan Arakawa (spontaneous non-contact subarachnoid haemorrhage) 2021 † 2022 † 2024 † 2024 † 2024 † 2025 † GRAHAM ‘TUMUNAKO’ CHRISTIE VIP #121 Graham ‘Tumunako’ Christie, was injured on Saturday, 6 April 1996, playing for his club, Tamatea v Colenso Pirates in Hastings. Tumanako suffered a serious spinal cord injury. The injury resulted in C5/C6 tetraplegia, leaving him with very limited use of his arms and hands. He was airlifted to Christchurch and underwent surgery. We only learned of Tumanako last year 2025, and that he passed away watching his ‘beloved’ Crusaders win the Super Final 25 May 2002. Tumanako was very active in Māori culture and in sport. He taught Māori culture at several schools across Heretaunga. He was the co-chairman of Te Rau Aroha Kōhanga Reo and is fluent in Te Reo Māori. He has taught at Kōhanga Reo (preschool), Kura Kaupapa (primary school), and at adult education programmes within the Heretaunga Taiwhenua. He was also known locally as a historian and a knowledgeable source of information about the area. He is survived by five children and five mokopuna, and was the second eldest of eight siblings. Graham ‘Tumanako’ Christie 26/02/1958 – 25/05/2002 (injured 1996) Footnote: When placed immediately before or after a person’s name, the cross indicates that the person is deceased † NEW ZEALAND RUGBY FOUNDATION INC. CC42547 19
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