Rugby World Cup ace made heartwarming gesture hours after hearing of son’s death

Rugby World Cup 2023 – Day 17 highlights

Fiji star Josua Tuisova was seen devoting time to fans immediately after his nation’s emotional win over Georgia on Saturday. The 29-year-old participated in the Rugby World Cup match despite being informed of his son’s death beforehand.

And Tuisova is set to remain with his international team-mates as they look to secure quarter-final qualification against Portugal this weekend. The Racing 92 star featured against Georgia as Fiji came from behind to seal a 19-12 win.

Before the action got underway, Tuisova was told of his son Tito’s death following a long illness. And after the final whistle, the Fiji ace reportedly spent half an hour signing shirts and still smiling alongside fans, with footage circulating on social media.

A funeral took place for Tito, who passed away at the age of seven, in Fiji on Tuesday morning, but Tuisova was unable to attend as he opted to see out his tournament campaign.

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The Flying Fijians need only one point against Portugal on Sunday to book their spot in the last eight. Tuisova is a key player at international level and was named man of the match in the shock win over Australia last month.

Fiji are gunning to make the quarter-finals for only the third time in their history. If they do so as expected, Steve Borthwick’s England are projected to be their opponents.

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Tito’s death was announced on Friday, and a brief statement 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.”

Tuisova has spent his entire club career in France, initially rising through the ranks with Toulon before spending four years with Lyon. He signed for Parisian club Racing 92 earlier this year.

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