Key Takeaways
- Fiji Olympic silver medalist and international rugby player Josaia Raisuqe, 30, di*d tragically in a road accident in France, devastating the rugby community worldwide.
- Raisuqe rose from humble beginnings in Lutu village to become a beloved member of Castres Olympique and a key figure in Fiji’s 2024 Paris Olympics silver medal team.
- His family, including parents Tevita Wesivalu Raisuqe and his mother from Lutu, supported his rugby dreams from childhood to international stardom.
The rugby world is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Josaia Raisuqe, a Fiji international and Olympic silver medallist, who d*ed in a road accident in France, as confirmed by his club Castres Olympique on Thursday.
Raisuqe, 30, was a beloved winger for the Castres Top 14 side and a standout member of Fiji’s silver-medal-winning sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
His demise has shocked fans across Fiji and France and devastated his family, teammates, and the global rugby community.
“It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the death this morning of our player Josaia Raisuqe in a road accident,” Castres stated.
“He was a wonderful teammate, much loved by everyone, including the Castres supporters who had embraced him.”
A Son Of Lutu, A Hero Of Fiji
Josaia hailed from Lutu in Naitasiri, a small village in Fiji with a strong rugby culture.
He was the second youngest of five siblings and the pride of his parents, Tevita Wesivalu Raisuqe, a farmer, and his mother, also from Lutu.
His father, Tevita, often spoke publicly about Josaia’s passion. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Tevita shared,
“It was always his dream to wear the white jersey and represent Fiji. He started playing at Lutu District School and never stopped chasing that dream. We are so proud of him.”
The family supported Josaia’s rugby ambitions by selling yaqona and dalo (taro), helping him chase his goals from humble beginnings to the international stage.
An Outstanding Career
Josaia’s rugby journey began at Lutu District School, continued at Lomaivuna High, and flourished at Lelean Memorial High School.
He quickly rose through the local rugby ranks, representing Tailevu U20 and senior sides, before catching national attention during the 2015 Martintar and Marist Sevens tournaments.
That same year, Ben Ryan, then-head coach of the Fiji sevens team, selected him for the 2015 Hong Kong Sevens, marking the beginning of his national career.
By 2021, Raisuqe had signed with Castres Olympique in France, becoming a key figure in their squad. His vibrant playing style, work ethic, and charisma made him a fan favorite on and off the pitch.
Mourning Across The Rugby World
The Castres community is in deep mourning. Club president Pierre-Yves Revol called Josaia a “pillar” of the team and the Fijian community in Castres.
“He was a radiant boy on and off the field. Our thoughts are with his fiancée and entire family.”
Via Facebook
The shock was shared by rival French club Toulouse, which expressed condolences:
“The entire club would like to express their support and sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
Via Facebook
French media have reported that Castres’ upcoming fixture against Clermont Auvergne may be postponed in honor of Raisuqe.
A Father’s Legacy And A Nation’s Grief
His dad, Tevita Raisuqe’s words echo the sentiment felt across Fiji:
“We supported his dream, and he made the whole Vanua proud. He always listened, worked hard, and trusted in God.”
Raisuqe’s devotion to his family, culture, and country made him more than just a rugby player—he symbolized Fiji’s pride.
As Fiji and the international rugby community mourn, Josaia Raisuqe will be remembered for his athletic brilliance and the legacy of hope, humility, and heritage he leaves behind.
Rest in peace, Josaia Raisuqe!
