Josua Tuisova
Josua Tuisova of Fiji in action. Photo: EPA/YOAN VALAT

Home » Fiji star to miss son’s funeral to play at Rugby World Cup

Fiji star to miss son’s funeral to play at Rugby World Cup

It has been confirmed that Fiji centre Josua Tuisova will miss his seven-year-old son’s funeral as he remains on World Cup duty.

By Craig Lewis
03-10-23 13:04
in Sport
Josua Tuisova
Josua Tuisova of Fiji in action. Photo: EPA/YOAN VALAT

As the World Cup heads into the final stages of the pool phase, Fiji need a key result against Portugal in order to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

It’s been an incredible tournament so far for the Flying Fijians, but a tragic story has now emerged from the team camp.

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According to FijiVillage.com, centre Josua Tuisova is making the ultimate sacrifice to stay in France to represent his country for the crucial final pool match, having informed his father that he will not be able to attend his seven-year-old son’s funeral today. His son passed away after long-term illness.

Tuisova’s father, Isikeli Ratulevu, has been making the necessary preparations for the funeral in Votua, Ba, and confirmed that Josua will not be leaving the World Cup.

Fiji play Portugal in the final World Cup pool game next Monday.

FIJI ARE CURRENTLY THIRD IN POOL C

Qualified for quarter-finals: Wales

Georgia and Portugal cannot qualify for the quarter-finals and cannot gain automatic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2027 as they are on three and two points respectively with one game to play. This mean Wales, Australia and Fiji have qualified for RWC 2027.

Wales have already reached the quarter-finals and the other place will be secured by either Australia or Fiji:

  • Wales need one point against Georgia to guarantee top spot in Pool C.
  • Fiji need one point against Portugal to confirm second place on the head-to-head rule having already beaten Australia. 
  • If Fiji get nothing from the match, Australia will qualify for the quarter-finals as runners-up.

Updated rankings: Where Springboks stand after Tonga win

ALSO READ: Dummy’s guide: All the qualification permutations for Springboks

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