Leo was born with partial-trisomy-13, a genetic disorder that impacts a child’s ability to grow.
The post has been met with an outpouring of support from players and the public.
“Thinking of you and the family my uzo xx RIL Leo,” first five-eighths star Richie Mo’unga wrote.
“Brother my heart aches for you all I’m so sorry for your loss,” said former All Black Israel Dagg.
A spokesperson for the Highlanders said the club acknowledged Leo’s death with “great sadness”.
“On behalf of everyone at the Highlanders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Angus, Kristyn and Georgie during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our thoughts and aroha are with them as they navigate their grief, and we stand alongside the Ta’avao whānau with love and support.”
Leo was born in Australia while Ta’avao was playing for the Waratahs and was a frequent visitor to Auckland’s Starship children’s hospital.
In 2023, Ta’avao auctioned his “red-card” All Blacks jersey, which he wore when sent off in the 23-12 loss against Ireland in Dunedin, to raise funds for the hospital.
Irish centre Garry Ringrose’s shirt from the same match was also auctioned off.
“It felt like we were in Starship every few days,” Ta’avao told the AM Show at the time.
“He was with the renal team, the cardiac team, we were doing overnight sleep studies... pretty much everything you could do, we were ticking all the boxes.
“Me and my family always felt super cared-for. The people in there work tirelessly and we always felt like it was a big family.
“He’s come a long way – he’s just had his first year at school and to see the growth that’s had on him this year is amazing. He’s just full of beans, he loves his food and is a wizard on YouTube... he’s just smashing milestones.”
When he was first called up to the All Blacks in 2018, Ta’avao said he had been inspired by Leo and the youngster’s health situation was a major reason as to why he and his family returned to New Zealand.
