England and Wales send their heartfelt condolences to Fiji star Josua Tuisova following tragic death of his seven-year-old son... with giant centre missing the funeral to help his country at the World Cup
The rugby world sent its condolences and support to Josua Tuisova after the Fiji star stayed in France while the funeral of his seven-year-old son Tito took place on Tuesday.
Tuisova learned of his child’s tragic death last Saturday and just hours before his team’s 17-12 World Cup comeback victory over Georgia in Bordeaux.
With Fiji preparing for their final Pool C clash with Portugal on Sunday and a likely quarter-final with Steve Borthwick’s England looming on the horizon, Tuisova took the tough decision to remain with his team rather than make the journey back to the Pacific Islands where his son was laid to rest.
While Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui asked for giant centre Tuisova’s privacy to be respected, both England and Wales took time out of their World Cup preparations to offer their best wishes.
‘Josua has asked respectfully for that not to be discussed, so it won't be discussed,’ Raiwalui said.
Fiji star Josua Tuisova is playing on at the Rugby World Cup despite learning of his son's death
Tuisova played for Fiji against Georgia on Saturday just hours after his son died at home in Fiji
Tuisova missed his son's funeral on Tuesday to continue playing at the World Cup in France
England defence coach Kevin Sinfield said: ‘It’s obviously tragic circumstances.
‘I don’t think anybody should have to deal with what he’s had to deal with. On behalf of everyone at England Rugby, we pass on all our condolences and best wishes. We’re thinking of him.’
Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys echoed Sinfield’s sentiment.
‘We send our huge condolences from everyone involved in the Welsh national team. They’ve asked for it not to be discussed so we’ll respect that,’ he added.
Isikeli Ratulevu, the centre’s father, informed Tuisova on the eve of Fiji’s dramatic Georgia win last Saturday of his child’s passing after a long illness.
Tuisova went on to play 79 minutes, only failing to complete the game due to a late yellow card. He posed for pictures and signed autographs at the final whistle.
Fiji are on the verge of making the World Cup knock-out stages for only the third time in their history in France with England likely to be their last-eight opponents.
Tuisova – who is a powerful ball carrier and plays his club rugby in France with Racing 92 – is one of their most important players.
Fiji only need to get a point against Portugal to reach the quarter-finals.
It remains likely they will finish as Pool C runners-up to Wales who face Georgia in Nantes on Saturday.
Meanwhile, France have insisted ‘everything is on track’ for Antoine Dupont to return from injury so long as the World Cup hosts qualify from Pool A, as expected.
Dupont had an operation to fix a fractured cheekbone after he was injured against Namibia on September 21. But he returned to training with Fabien Galthie’s side on Sunday.
France need to beat Italy in Lyon on Friday to guarantee their qualification for the quarter-finals.
Dupont isn’t expected to be involved against the Azzurri, but Les Bleus hope he will be fit for the following week after taking part in individualised fitness drills.
Bruno Boussagol, France’s team health manager, said: ‘Everything is on track with Antoine. He passed his concussion protocols so he is free from that too.
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