Fiji International Josaia Raisuqe Dies Aged 30 in Road Accident
A statement from Castres Olympique, as reported by Rugby Pass, confirms that Fiji Sevens international and Castres wing Josaia Raisuqe has died at the age of 30 following a road accident on his way to training. The news has sent shockwaves through the rugby community, with tributes pouring in from across the sport.
According to the Castres statement, as quoted by Rugby Pass, "Castres Olympique is in mourning. It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the death this morning of our player Josaia Raisuqe in a road accident. The entire CO family is devastated by this terrible news. Josh had been a member of the club since 2021. He was a wonderful team-mate, much loved by everyone, including the Castres supporters who had embraced him." The club has extended its "sincere condolences and thoughts to his family and loved ones."
Raisuqe had a successful career in France, representing Stade Francais, Nevers, and Castres. He had also agreed to join Brive ahead of next season, but unfortunately, his life was cut short. As reported by Rugby Pass, Raisuqe represented Fiji at the Olympic Games in Paris last year, winning a silver medal. His death has been met with an outpouring of support from the rugby community, with Toulouse, Raisuqe’s final opponents, sharing a statement on X: "Toulouse were shocked to learn of the death of Josaia Raisuqe this morning in a road accident. The entire club wishes to express its support and sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and his club, Castres Olympique."
Castres president Pierre-Yves Revol has paid tribute to Raisuqe, saying, as quoted by Rugby Pass, "We are in shock following the sudden death of Josaia. He was a radiant boy on and off the field, a pillar of the Fijian community we have at the club and to which we are very attached. It is also difficult at this time not to mention the faith of all these players and of Josaia. It will, beyond the pain, help them in this time so difficult for all. Of course, my thoughts are with his fiancée and his entire family and I thank all those who have come forward to the club. Castres Olympique will not make any further comments and asks that the mourning of his family be respected from now on."
The news of Raisuqe’s passing has sent shockwaves through the rugby community, with many paying tribute to the talented young player. As reported by Rugby Pass, Raisuqe was a much-loved member of the Castres team, and his death will be deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, and fans. The club has asked that the family be allowed to grieve in private, and it is clear that Raisuqe will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In a statement, Rugby Pass reported that Raisuqe’s death has left a huge void in the rugby community, and his legacy will live on through his achievements on and off the field. As the news continues to sink in, tributes will continue to pour in for the talented young player who had so much to offer the sport.
