New Zealand rugby mourns death of Nui Muriwai’s wife aged 21

In devastating news shared by Wellington Rugby, Mereana died on Monday surrounded by her whanau after an incredibly brave fight against an ultra-rare form of ovarian cancer — small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type. She was believed to be the only known case in New Zealand.

“She is remembered as a loving, thoughtful and fiercely supportive young wahine whose warmth uplifted everyone around her,” Wellington Rugby said in a statement.

“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.”

The Hurricanes scrum-half paid tribute to his wife during an emotional service on Thursday, telling mourners she “will always have a special place in my heart”.

“Mereana, this past year you’ve shown me what true courage, bravery, resilience, and grace looks like,” Nui said.
“You’ve completely changed my perspective on life and I have become a better man.”

The couple married in October after discovering that her cancer had progressed. Reflecting on their wedding day, Mereana posted: “My husband… Words couldn’t explain all the feelings that have been felt this past week and a bit. I love you into the afterlife.”

But within days, she painfully acknowledged that she had reached the limits of what treatment could offer.

“There is simply nothing out there for me except for suffering from this cancer. I promise I have tried everything,” she wrote.
“I simply cannot handle the pain any more. It’s spread and I’ve been given short months. It’s just so hard.”

Before her passing, a fundraiser was launched to help the young couple explore treatment options overseas, raising more than $NZ83,000, with a Hurricanes-supported auction adding nearly $NZ50,000.

“I have been given months. I do not believe I have months as this cancer hasn’t been treated here in Aotearoa,” she wrote on the page.

On Thursday, the Hurricanes shared their own tribute to Mereana:

“The wind that battles. The wind that fights. The wind that stands resolute.
The cold wind of loss rests on our hearts as we mourn your loss, Mereana.
Your whanau here at the Hurricanes are devastated by the news.
Although we know you will still watch over Nui over there, please know we will still watch over him here.”

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