The Tauranga community is taking to social media to express its sorrow following news of the passing of former Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Mark Weedon.

In a post on Facebook, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union says: 'It is with a heavy heart we inform you of the passing of former Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Mark Weedon.”

Mark started his rugby career with Katikati Rugby club, made his debut for the Bay in 1986 at the age of 18 and captained the Bay in 2001 and 2002.

He played Super Rugby for Crusaders and Chiefs, as well as having an illustrious professional career in Europe, before retiring from rugby in 2002.

'Mark was hugely involved with Pāpāmoa Junior Rugby club, with his kids playing for the club,” says the BOPRU.

'Mark was remembered by the club saying that he was always the first one to help to put up goalposts, getting kids to training, marking lines, managing, coaching, and was the herder and chief greeter at the Junior registrations.

'We are sending our love and support to Mark's wife Kylie and sons Rory and Jack. We will miss you Mark.”

The Pāpāmoa Rugby Club has also expressed its sorrow on Facebook.

'Mark was a hugely valued and loved member of our club, committee and community,” the club says in a post on the social media platform.

'There are no words to express our grief.”

The news of Mark's passing was released on the Papamoa College Facebook page on Sunday.

"It is with sadness that we inform you that Mr Mark Weedon passed away yesterday - Saturday 7 August," reads the post.

"Mark has been a regular relief teacher over the last 2 years at Papamoa College and most recently as a valuable Y78 Teacher of the Maunga Learning Community since the start of term 2, 2021.

"As a very good teacher, Mark always made great connections with his students and wanted the best for their learning and to meet their development needs.

"We will all miss him dearly at Papamoa College."

A celebration of Mark's life will be held at The Orchard, 20 MacLoughlin Drive, off No. 3 Road, Te Puke on Thursday, August 12 at 2.30pm.