The Tuva Rugby Club and the community are mourning the loss of utility back Samu Tiqe Lutumailagi, who tragically passed away at the Lautoka hospital on Monday. The 27-year-old from Semo Village, Tuva, Nadroga, collapsed during a Nadroga Rugby Union club competition match in Lawaqa two weeks ago.
Lutumailagi had been playing as a hooker for his team in their game against Lomawai on Thursday, June 20, as the regular hooker did not show up. His father, Tomasi Hatuku, who works as a taxi driver, described him as a diligent and committed individual who was dedicated to his community and religious duties.
Hatuku shared that on the morning of the match, he had breakfast with his son and then left for work, believing that Lutumailagi would spend the day tending to his cassava plantation, a hobby he was passionate about. Unbeknownst to Hatuku, Lutumailagi had planned to play in the rugby match and had borrowed money for his fare to Lawaqa.
Lutumailagi, the fifth of eight siblings and one of seven sons, collapsed after the second scrum during the game and was rushed to Sigatoka Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka Hospital due to the seriousness of his condition.
A lifelong rugby enthusiast, Lutumailagi began playing rugby league while attending Ratu Kadavulevu School and later represented Cuvu College in the Fiji Secondary Schools Deans competition. He was also a key member of the Tuva Under-19 team that clinched the Coral Coast Sevens U19 title for three consecutive years and had been part of the Nadi NASA team since last year.
Lutumailagi will be laid to rest in his home village of Semo on Friday.
Nadroga Rugby Union secretary Isireli Basiyalo directed inquiries to union president Jiuta Waqavonovono, who was not available for comment at the time.