The Fiji rugby community is mourning the loss of a true legend, former national captain, head coach, and administrator Ratu Ilaitia Tuisese (Snr). Ratu Ilaitia passed away last Saturday at his home in Nausori after a brief illness, as confirmed by his family. He was 77 years old.
Ratu Ilaitia was not only a prominent figure in sports and administration but also made significant contributions to nation-building. He served as Minister for Regional Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs in the interim government in 2000 and held the position of Minister for Agriculture, Sugar, and Land Resettlement after the 2001 general elections.
A prominent figure in Fiji’s rugby history, Ratu Ilaitia was inducted into the FRU Hall of Fame for his contributions to sevens rugby. He captained the Fiji 7s team as a player during the historic win at the Hong Kong 7s tournament in 1977 and returned as a coach in 1980, leading the team to another victory.
Former teammate Pio Bosco Tikoisuva remembered him as a gentleman both on and off the field. The two played together in the Fiji team that defeated the British Lions 25-21 in Suva in 1977 and were later inducted as FRU Life Members in April 2019.
“Ratu Ilaitia was an expert at lineouts and always exhibited good sportsmanship,” said Tikoisuva. “He was a highly respected and humble man, and we have truly lost one of the great players from our era.”
Ratu Ilaitia made his international debut in 15s rugby on June 25, 1969, in a match against New Zealand.
Sale Sorovaki, the FRU general manager of operations and development, expressed the organization’s sorrow, stating, “He was an educated man and a great player, always offering us guidance on improving our practices. We have lost a true legend of the Flying Fijians.”
Viliame Takayawa, secretary of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), noted Ratu Ilaitia’s strong support for the party and his role in the Laisenia Qarase government’s land buy-back scheme. “His loss represents a significant loss of institutional knowledge regarding land management and development for indigenous people.”
At the time of his passing, Ratu Ilaitia was the chairman of the Fiji SUN board. He is survived by his wife, Adi Sokoveti Raditora Tuisese, as well as their children and grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.