Josua Tuisova of Fiji in action. Photo: EPA/YOAN VALAT
Fiji star to miss son’s funeral to play at Rugby World Cup
It has been confirmed that Fiji centre Josua Tuisova will miss his seven-year-old son’s funeral as he remains on World Cup duty.
Josua Tuisova of Fiji in action. Photo: EPA/YOAN VALAT
As the World Cup heads into the final stages of the pool phase, Fiji need a key result against Portugal in order to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
It’s been an incredible tournament so far for the Flying Fijians, but a tragic story has now emerged from the team camp.
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According to FijiVillage.com, centre Josua Tuisova is making the ultimate sacrifice to stay in France to represent his country for the crucial final pool match, having not attended his seven-year-old son’s funeral today. His son passed away after long-term illness.
Tuisova’s father, Isikeli Ratulevu, has been making the necessary preparations for the funeral in Votua, Ba, and confirmed that Josua will not be leaving the World Cup.
Fiji play Portugal in the final World Cup pool game next Monday.
Despite first being told of his son’s death on the eve of the Georgia game this past weekend, Tuisova played 79 minutes and helped his team to victory.
The death of Tuisova’s son Tito was announced on Friday.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Tito Micgabraph Donzel Ratulevu,” a statement read. “He is the son of Mr Josua Tuisova and Mrs Katarina Ladoge Ramoce. Affectionately known as ‘Tito’,”‘, he peacefully departed after a prolonged battle with a debilitating illness in Lautoka hospital.”
The funeral service, which was live streamed, was held at the Votua Catholic Church in the town of Ba.
FIJI ARE CURRENTLY THIRD IN POOL C
Qualified for quarter-finals: Wales
Georgia and Portugal cannot qualify for the quarter-finals and cannot gain automatic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2027 as they are on three and two points respectively with one game to play. This mean Wales, Australia and Fiji have qualified for RWC 2027.
Wales have already reached the quarter-finals and the other place will be secured by either Australia or Fiji:
- Wales need one point against Georgia to guarantee top spot in Pool C.
- Fiji need one point against Portugal to confirm second place on the head-to-head rule having already beaten Australia.
- If Fiji get nothing from the match, Australia will qualify for the quarter-finals as runners-up.
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