Fiji star Josua Tuisova. @RugbyOnTNT via X.
Tragedy strikes Rugby World Cup
Fiji star Josua Tuisova learned of his son’s death hours before a Rugby World Cup game and will miss the funeral to stay at tournament.
Fiji star Josua Tuisova. @RugbyOnTNT via X.
Fiji star Josua Tuisova is set to play on at the Rugby World Cup despite the tragic death of his seven-year-old son, Tito.
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HEARTBREAKING NEWS FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP STAR
The 29-year-old learned of the tragedy last Saturday, just hours before helping his side beat Georgia 17-12 in Bordeaux.
The 29-year-old has been out in France for weeks with the Pacific Islanders and was informed by his father just hours before kick-off against Georgia that his seven-year-old boy had passed away after a long illness.
However, Tuisova has chosen not to return to Fiji for the funeral on Tuesday (October 3) and will instead stay at the Rugby World Cup tournament as Simon Raiwalui’s side prepare for a likely quarter-final clash against England, reports Fijian news site Fiji Village.
Fiji are on the cusp of making the knockout stages of the competition for only the third time in their entire history. Fiji need just a point against Portugal in their final Pool C clash to secure their place in the quarter-finals, where they are expected to play England.
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RIP TITO RATULEVU
The death of Tuisova’s son Tito was announced on Friday when the family released a statement.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Tito Micgabraph Donzel Ratulevu. 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 was live streamed and held at the Votua Catholic Church in Ba.
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