A Brisbane father and former rugby star has left behind a devastated wife and young daughter after he died during his first week at a Samoan bible school.
Kitiona Mauli'o, 35, collapsed and died at the prestigious Malua Theological College on the island of Upolu in Samoa on Friday.
A Samoan police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia Mr Mauli'o collapsed and was taken to Leulumoega Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Mr Mauli'o has left behind his heartbroken wife Taafili and their young daughter.
His death came just days after he arrived from Brisbane to begin a theology course at the college and was welcomed onto the campus in a grand ceremony.
The school provides training for the Congregational Christian Church, the biggest in Samoa. It has been operating for more than 150 years.
Mr Mauli'o's family members took to Facebook to speak out about his death.
A Samoan police spokesman said they are investigating the death and could not comment on the cause.
Daily Mail Australia understands Mr Mauli'o was clearing a field with a machete when he collapsed.
Temperatures on the island can reach almost 40C in February.
Mr Mauli'o was a promising rugby union player having played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2001 and was a member of the Queensland Reds academy.
As a member of the Australian Schools team Mr Mauli'o toured Japan and the United Kingdom alongside future Wallabies representatives Drew Mitchell, Rodney Blake, Josh Valentine and Hugh McMeniman.
A Facebook tribute to Mr Mauli'o described him as a 'true gentleman'.
'Kitiona Malui'o was a great role model in the Pacific community especially his Samoan heritage.
'A gifted halfback with exceptional field management and quick off the mark pace.
He was inspired to become a minister through his beloved church. He will be truly missed, fly high brother.'
Malua Theological College offers bachelor's degrees in divinity and theology, and is led by Principal Reverend Ma'afala Lima, the brother of Manu Samoa rugby legend Brian Lima.
On the school's website Mr Lima is listed as having a Master of Theology from Princeton University.
Malua Theological College did not respond to requests for comment.
Mr Mauli'o's family have set up a Go Fund Me page to help support his wife and daughter.