Samu Tiqe Lutumailagi, a 27-year-old player from the Tuva Rugby Club, tragically died in Lautoka hospital on Monday following a collapse during a match in Lawaqa two weeks ago. The Semo Village native, known as Tiqe, played as a hooker for his local team in their game against Lomawai on June 20.
Tiqa’s father, Tomasi Hatuku, described his son as a diligent young man who significantly contributed to their community and religious responsibilities. Hatuku, who works as a taxi driver in Nadi, learned about his son’s plans to participate in the weekly competition only after he left for work that day. Tiqe returned home to grab his playing gear after seeing his father off to work.
Tiqe was the fifth among eight children and was known for his love for rugby, a passion inherited by many young men in Nadroga. He started his rugby career while studying at Ratu Kadavulevu School and later represented Cuvu College in the Fiji Secondary Schools Deans competition. He was part of the triumphant Tuva Under-19 team that clinched the Coral Coast sevens’ U19 title for three consecutive years and lately became part of the Nadi NASA team.
Tiqe will be buried in Semo this Friday.
When contacted for a statement, the secretary for Nadroga, Isireli Basiyalo, deferred to the union president, Jiuta Waqavonovono, who was unavailable at the time.