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The Hurricanes rugby community are mourning the death of a young woman, Mereana Muriwai, after her fight against a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

The 21-year-old was married to Hurricanes halfback Nui Muriwai and was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type (SCCOHT) – a form of ovarian cancer that affects only one in 10 million women worldwide.

The Super Rugby Pacific team posted online that her “whānau 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,” the post read.

Speaking at her funeral, her husband told the story of their relationship and described the impact of Mereana on his life.

“Mereana, this past year you’ve shown me what true courage, bravery, resilience, and grace looks like.

“You’ve completely changed my perspective on life and I have become a better man.”

He also said her fight with cancer helped to inspire him before matches.

“When I was nervous before games or felt myself feeling afraid, I would tell myself, ‘Come on, mate, your missus has cancer and she’s fighting for her life, and I can’t even play a game’.

“She’s afraid for her life, and I’m afraid of tackling someone. Stop being a little B. I. T. C. H.

“The amount of newfound strength, bravery, and resilience I now have because of you is crazy.”

Nui went on to thank Mereana for the laughter, happiness and joy she brought to his life and the positive impact she had on everyone around her.

“Mereana, I’ll never forget you, and you’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

Wellington Rugby said Mereana Muriwai died surrounded by her whānau after a courageous battle against cancer.

“She is remembered as a loving, thoughtful and fiercely supportive young wahine whose warmth uplifted everyone around her,” the union said.

“Our deepest aroha goes out to Nui, the whānau, and all who loved Mereana.

“Our rugby community stands firmly with you at this incredibly difficult time.”

A funeral announcement said she “touched the hearts of everyone who knew her with her warmth, kindness, and spirit”.

“Though her time with us was far too short, her love, laughter, and light will never be forgotten.

“She leaves behind her loving husband and family, who will carry on her legacy with the love and strength she inspired in all of them.

Mereana Muriwai had been diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type (SCCOHT) – a form of ovarian cancer that affects only one in 10 million women worldwide. Photo / Hurricanes

“We are deeply grateful to Hospice Waikato for their compassionate care and support during her final days.”

In June, the Hurricanes made a plea for donations to help with her treatment, which included intensive rounds of chemotherapy, two major abdominal surgeries, high-dose radiation, and immunotherapy.

A Give a Little page helped to raise nearly $85,000 for her.

Friends have left tributes to Mereana online, including one that described her as an inspiration to others.

“To me, she was the embodiment of the colour yellow,” one mourner said, “Always making people laugh, a goofball, lively, bright.

“It was easy to be blinded by her aura, but in the most warming way.”

Mereama Muriwai’s funeral took place this morning in Hamilton.