N.Z. rugby player believed drowned

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- New Zealand Warriors rugby player Sonny Fai was missing and presumed drowned after trying to save his brother's life, his family says.

Friends and family members said Fai, 20, was caught in a riptide in dangerous surf near Auckland during a weekend family outing in which he went out to help a younger brother who couldn't swim, The Times of London reported Monday.

Fai's sister, La Lelei, told a New Zealand Web site that he had helped his younger brother to drift into shore at Bethell's Beach but then was taken out to sea by a wave, the Times said.

Rescuers on inflatable boats were joined by family members Sunday, searching the beach for the missing rugby player until 1 a.m. Monday.

Members of the New Zealand Warriors team, which was due to officially begin pre-season training Monday, joined in the search for their missing teammate when rescue activities resumed at dawn Monday, officials said.

Fai, considered a rising star, played 15 games for the Warriors in 2008 after making his debut with the club last March, the Times reported.