NZ rugby player mourns daughter's death

Cape Town - New Zealand rugby player Hayden Triggs has revealed his heartbreak at the death of his baby daughter in Ireland.

The 34-year-old lock forward, who played nine matches for the New Zealand Maori and four of the five Kiwi Super Rugby franchises, now turns out for Irish side Leinster.

But in his second season in Ireland has been rocked by the death of baby Stella on September 30.

Stella died in hospital just two days after she was born.

Triggs issued a statement via the club's official website on behalf of himself and partner Mikala.

"On behalf of Mikala and I, I would like to thank the players, their partners, the staff and indeed the supporters at Leinster Rugby for their support over the last few weeks and in particular for the wonderful gesture at the Leinster against Munster game at the Aviva Stadium in honour of our beautiful daughter Stella.

"We would also like to thank the wonderful doctors, midwives, nurses and staff in Unit 8 at the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street who do amazing work on a daily basis and are a source of huge support for families such as ours who go through this nightmare on an all too frequent basis.

"Our hearts are broken but we will celebrate Stella's short life and I would like to use this opportunity to raise awareness of the National Maternity Hospital Foundation and their #HelpHollesStreet campaign.

"Once again, thank you all sincerely for the support."

Triggs played Super Rugby for the Hurricanes (1 match), Highlanders (36 matches), Chiefs (3 matches) and Blues (34 matches).