World Cup star played after seven-year-old son's death and will miss funeral

03 October 2023 , 11:13

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Josua Tuisova has been a key player for Fiji in the Rugby World Cup (Image: Getty Images)

Fiji star Josua Tuisova featured in his country's Rugby World Cup match against Georgia last Saturday - despite learning of his son's death just hours earlier.

Tuisova's child, Tito, passed away aged seven a day before the crucial game in Bordeaux. The centre bravely played 79 minutes of the Pool C clash to help Fiji win 17-12. They remain on course to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007.

Tuisova's father Isikeli Ratulevu confirmed his son didn't return to Fiji for the funeral, which took place on Tuesday, during a chat with the local press. The youngster died following a long illness, with Tuisova staying in France to represent his country.

Tuisova spent more than half an hour meeting and thanking fans after Fiji's win against Georgia, despite his personal tragedy. The rugby community have rallied around Tuisova, with former England star Ugo Monye calling the situation "heartbreaking".

Tito's passing was announced in a statement on Friday. It read: "With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Tito Micgabraph Donzel Ratulevu. He is the son of Mr Josua Tuisova and Mrs Katarina Ladoge Ramoce. Affectionately known as 'Tito', he peacefully departed after a prolonged battle with a debilitating illness in Lautoka hospital."

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Ratulevu confirmed his son will miss Tito's funeral while speaking to Fiji Village, a local outlet. Ratulevu organised the funeral in Votua, Ba in Tuisova's absence.

It would've taken Tuisova over 24 hours to travel from France to Fiji for the funeral. It's highly likely he would've missed Fiji's win against Georgia had he attended the funeral and would've struggled to return to France in time for their next game against Portugal.

Fiji will reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup - and knock Australia out of the tournament - if they defeat Portugal in Toulouse on Sunday. Fiji are expected to be victorious in their final Pool C game, with winless Portugal already out of the tournament.

Tuisova played against Georgia last Saturday (Getty Images)

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If Fiji beat Portugal, they will face England in the quarter-finals. Steve Borthwick's side have already secured top spot in Pool D after convincing wins against Argentina, Japan and Chile. England's final pool clash is against Samoa on Saturday.

England and Wales are the only teams to have reached quarter-finals so far, with one round of pool matches remaining. Hosts France will progress if they avoid defeat to Italy on Friday, while New Zealand will go through if they beat Uruguay on Thursday.

Scotland must beat Ireland on Saturday - and score a bonus point - if they want to remain in the competition. South Africa have all but secured their place in the quarter-finals and will only miss out if Scotland beat Ireland and both teams secure bonus points.

The last quarter-final spot will be decided by a straight shootout between Argentina and Japan on Saturday. South Africa are the defending world champions after beating England 32-12 in the final in Japan four years ago.

Tom Blow