The Fiji rugby community is mourning the loss of a significant figure, Ratu Ilaitia Tuisese (Snr), a former national captain, head coach, and rugby administrator. He passed away at the age of 77 at his home in Nausori after a brief illness, as confirmed by his family.
Ratu Ilaitia was a multifaceted individual who excelled in both sports and public service. He served as Minister for Regional Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs in the interim government in 2000 and later took on the role of Minister for Agriculture, Sugar, and Land Resettlement following the 2001 general elections.
Inducted into the Fiji Rugby Union Hall of Fame, Ratu Ilaitia was a pioneering figure in the development of sevens rugby in Fiji. He captained the national sevens team to its first-ever victory at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament in 1977 as a player, and returned in 1980 as coach, leading the team to another Cup final win.
Former teammate Pio Bosco Tikoisuva described him as a gentleman both on and off the field. The two played together on the Fiji team that triumphed over the British Lions 25-21 in Suva in 1977. Both were later inducted as FRU Life Members in April 2019.
“He excelled in lineouts and exemplified good sportsmanship,” Tikoisuva said. “We’ve lost a man who was both respected and humble.”
Ratu Ilaitia made his international debut in rugby union on June 25, 1969, in a match where Fiji faced a defeat.
Sale Sorovaki, the Fiji Rugby Union’s general manager for operations and development, recognized Ratu Ilaitia as an educated player who provided valuable advice on improving the sport.
“He was a legend for the Flying Fijians,” Sorovaki stated.
Social Democratic Liberal Party secretary Viliame Takayawa noted that Ratu Ilaitia was a strong supporter of the party and played a crucial role in land management and development initiatives during the Laisenia Qarase government.
Ratu Ilaitia served as the chairman of the Fiji SUN board at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife, Adi Sokoveti Raditora Tuisese, along with his children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are set to be announced soon.