Olympic silver medallist Josaia Raisuqe has died aged 30 after being hit by a train.
The rugby union player’s death was announced on Thursday afternoon by his club side, French team Castres Olympique.
His former coach Xavier Pemeja called him an ‘absolutely adorable boy’ who was committed to trainingAFPFiji 7s international Raisuqe was involved in a road traffic accident in the morning when his car was hit by a train at a level crossing.
The incident occurred while he was on his way to training ahead of Castres’ weekend fixture.
Following his tragic death, the match against Clermont Auvergne that was scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.
The club statement read: “Castres Olympique is in mourning. It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the death this morning in a road accident of our player Josaia Raisuqe.
“The entire CO family is devastated by this terrible news. He was a wonderful team-mate who was much appreciated by everyone.”
The winger had been at Castres since 2021 playing in the Top 14, the highest level of French domestic rugby, and finished as runners-up in 2022 after losing in the final to Montpellier.
He was also part of the Fiji rugby sevens squad who earned silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics last summer.
“We are in a state of shock following Josaia’s sudden death,” said club president Pierre-Yves Revol.
“He was a radiant young man, both on and off the pitch, and a pillar of the Fijian community that we have at the Club and to which we are very attached.”
He added: “Of course, my thoughts are with his fiancée and his entire family and I thank all those who have come forward to the club.
Fiji topped Group C and defeated Ireland and Australia in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively before losing to France in the gold medal matchGetty“Castres Olympique will not make any further comments and asks that the mourning of his family be respected from now on.”
Other rugby teams around the world have paid tribute to the star.
French team RC Toulon said: “The Toulon Rugby Club is devastated to learn of Josaia Raisque’s passing this morning, as he was heading to training.
“Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, his teammates, the Castres Olympique club, and its supporters.”
Stade Toulousain also shared a message which read: “Stade Toulousain learned with horror of the death of Josaia Raisuqe this morning, in a traffic accident.
“The entire club wishes to express its support and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and his club, Castres Olympique.”
The whole sport of rugby is in mourning after the shocking newsAFPBorn in Naitasiri, Fiji, Raisuqe took up rugby from a young age hoping to one day play for his home nation, which he later achieved in 2015 as part of their rugby sevens side.
Before his move to Castres he played for Stade Francais and Nevers.
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