Tevita and Mereani Raisuqe are traveling to France to bid farewell to their son, Josaia (Josh) Raisuqe, a promising rugby player who tragically lost his life in a road accident on May 8. The 30-year-old winger for Castres Olympique and former Fiji 7s Olympic silver medalist was struck by a train at a level crossing while heading to a morning training session.
The grieving parents, who departed from Nadi, Fiji, traveled via Singapore, thanks in part to support from Castres Olympique, which covered their journey. Tevita expressed gratitude for the opportunity to see his son one last time before he is repatriated for burial in their home village of Lutu, Wainibuka. Mereani shared the emotional burden of losing a son far from home, describing it as an incredibly painful journey.
As news of Josaia’s death spread, it sent shockwaves through the Fijian rugby community and beyond. Castres Olympique announced the postponement of their match against ASM Clermont in a show of respect, with club president Pierre-Yves Revol praising Josaia not just as a talented player but as a cherished member of the Rugby family. Revol described him as a “beacon of light” and noted the deep impact he had made both on and off the pitch.
Throughout his career, Josaia earned a reputation for his powerful play and infectious smile, embodying the spirit of Fiji. He made seven appearances for Castres this season, and his last game occurred just days before the tragic incident.
This heartbreaking loss comes as the Fijian rugby community is still mourning the recent passing of another young talent, Sekove Tagicakiverata. Together, these losses have cemented the importance of community support and unity in times of grief. The enduring legacy of Josh Raisuqe, outlined through heartfelt tributes from teammates and fans, will inspire future generations and remind all of the passion and commitment he brought to the sport.
The collective grief serves as a powerful reminder of the profound connections within the rugby world, where camaraderie extends beyond the field, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness in the face of tragedy.
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