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Josaia Raisuqe, a rye city star who medaled to Fiji at Paris -ol, died after a train allegedly hit his vehicle as he drove to training.
Raisuqe’s Rugby Club, Castres, confirmed his death on Thursday. He was 30 years old.
“Castre’s Olympique is in mourning,” the club said in a statement on its website. “It is with heavy hearts that we learned about death this morning by our player Josaia Raisuqe in a traffic accident.
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Josaia Raisuqe from Team Fiji runs with a ball during a rugby match against Australia at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 on Stade de France 27 July 2024 in Paris. (Stefan Matzke/Getty Images)
“The whole Co family is ruined by this horrible news. Josh had been a member of the club since 2021. He was a wonderful teammate, much loved by all, including Castres supporters who had embraced him. We expand our sincere compassion and thoughts to his family and dear.”
The death of Raisuqe shocked Castres supporters who paid tribute to him a few hours after his death. They were allegedly in the presence of his wife as hundreds gathered in front of Pierre-Fabre Stadium, Castres’ home, to mourn over Raisuqe.
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Raisuqe was part of Fijis Rugby Sevens team in Paris, which finished in second place at the Olympics to earn a silver medal. He was credited with an attempt against the United States during pool games, and he started for Fiji against France in the gold medal match.
Raisuqe had played professionally in France since 2015 and joined the Top 14 Champion Stade Francais that year. Raisuqe also played for Nevers, another division team.
Ben Dowling from Australia is tackled by Josaia Raisuqe from Fiji during a Rugby match courage at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 on Stade Yves du Manoir 27 July 2024 in Paris. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
He was then excited after a victory in 2021, he lifted the referee over his head when the final whistle was blowing and he got a red card for the incident.
Raisuqe became a flank for Castres in 2022 when the team did the Top 14 final.
“He was a brilliant boy on and off the field, a pillar of the Fijian community we have in the club and which we are very attached to,” Castre’s chairman Pierre-Yves revolved in a statement.
Castres’ Fijian Wing Josaia Raisuqe celebrates after scoring an attempt during a French Top 14 Rugby Union match between Castre’s Olympique and Rugby Club Toulonnais at Pierre-Fabre Stadium in Castres, France, April 22, 2023. (Valentine Chapuis/AFP via Getty Images)
“It is also difficult at this time not to mention the belief in all these (Fijian) players and Josaia. My thoughts are with his fiancé and his whole family.”
Raisuqe last played on the wing for Castres less than two weeks ago.
