Highlanders prop Angus Ta’avao confirms son's death

Tuesday, 17 February 2026

Former All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao has revealed his young son Leo has died.

“We are heartbroken to share that our beautiful boy Leo has gained his angel wings,” Ta’avao wrote on social media on Tuesday.

“After a brief battle in PICU, Leo passed away surrounded by his loved ones.”

Leo was born with partial-trisomy-13 – a genetic disorder which affects the child's ability to grow – and spent the first three months of his life in hospital.

Ta’avao played for the Highlanders as recently as Friday night when they upset the Crusaders in Dunedin.

“You have left a giant Leo sized hole in our hearts darling, we will miss you so so much. Til we meet again our baby boy,” Ta’avao wrote on social media.

In a 2018 interview with Stuff, when Leo was just 14 months old, Ta’avao spoke of his young son being his inspiration.

'If I'm having a difficult day, seeing him makes it all better,' Ta’avao said.

'The smile he gives us, gets me. It sounds so cliche, but when I see that, it melts my heart.'

An outpouring of support has been shown to the Ta’avao family following the tragic death.

“Praying and thinking of you and the family uso,” Ardie Savea wrote.

“So heartbroken for you Angus. To you and your family, we send love and prayers,” former Black Ferns Sevens star and now Warrior Michaela Blyde wrote.

“Brother my heart aches for you all I’m so sorry for your loss,” Israel Dagg wrote.

Ta’avao’s Highlanders Rugby Club wrote: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Kristyn and Georgie during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace Leo.”