A respected rugby club in Auckland is mourning the unexpected loss of Dan ‘Dansun’ Arakawa, a cherished and devoted player who sadly passed away on Sunday following a heart attack during training.
The 42-year-old father of three collapsed during a session with East Coast Bays Rugby Club on Thursday, June 12.
Despite quick-thinking teammates rushing to help and administering first aid, Arakawa passed away in hospital three days later, surrounded by family.
His death has left the East Coast Bays rugby community in deep shock with tributes flooding social media from teammates, coaches and rival clubs.
‘You were part of the furniture up there, Dansun! A true gentleman and top club man,’ one post read.
Another said: ‘Gone way too soon. You were one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.’
Teammates, coaches and rivals praised Arakawa’s character, commitment and lifelong contribution to grassroots rugby
A loyal clubman since 2001, Arakawa played nearly 300 games and became a local rugby legend
One rival remembered playing against Arakawa just last week: ‘He was giving our scrum a hard time. Rest in peace, big fella.’
Club Director of Rugby Bruce Wigglesworth described Arakawa as a ‘super loyal’ man, loved by all who knew him.
‘He always had a smile on his face. Just an all-round great guy, a superb little human,’ Wigglesworth told Stuff NZ.
Originally from Japan, Arakawa arrived in New Zealand in 1999 and joined East Coast Bays in 2001 after attending Long Bay College.
Wigglesworth remembered Arakawa’s dedication, noting how he would compete for his school’s First XV team in the morning prior to being driven by his coach to join Bays’ senior team in the afternoon.
‘He just fell in love with rugby,’ he said.
Arakawa went on to play between 250 and 300 games for the club across various levels.
He notched up around 90 appearances for the Premier side before becoming a key player for the Premier II team in later years.
Wigglesworth said the entire squad had been left reeling by the loss.
Arakawa’s wife and young child flew from Japan to New Zealand to farewell him with the club
‘It’s pretty tough times for us,’ he admitted.
His teammates were there when he collapsed, giving him immediate aid.
‘They’re doing it tough,’ Wigglesworth said.
But the team rallied, taking the field against Kumeū just two days after the incident.
Arakawa’s wife and family had flown in from Japan that morning to support the team and be by his side.
After the match, both teams gathered for a prayer in his honour.
One East Coast Bays player stepped forward and addressed Arakawa’s family in Japanese.
Wigglesworth called it a ‘pretty special moment’ that deeply moved everyone present.
Arakawa helped more than 50 young Japanese players settle into New Zealand’s rugby culture and community
The club had already been rocked by the death of another long-serving player from a heart attack just a week earlier.
Arakawa’s contribution went beyond the playing field.
He became a mentor and guide for dozens of young Japanese players coming to Auckland to chase their rugby dreams.
‘He acted as a conduit,’ Wigglesworth said.
Many of those players settled at East Coast Bays, strengthening ties between Japan and New Zealand rugby.
Arakawa was also a business owner, running an International Rugby and English School.
Some of his former students have stayed in New Zealand since those early days.
He also played overseas, including time with Suntory in Japan and a season in the UK. But his heart always remained with Bays.
The club released a tribute saying: ‘His love of rugby was infectious and his cheeky grin was always welcomed in the sheds.’
‘You leave a massive piece of you with us Dansun. We will never forget you.’
The club extended their deepest sympathies to Arakawa’s wife Erina, son Jin, and the wider Arakawa whānau.
They also thanked those who helped on the night he collapsed.
