Share

Fiji wing dies aged 29

Suva - Former Fiji and Toulouse wing Maleli Kunavore has died at the age of 29, the Fiji Rugby Union said Saturday.

The cause of death was not immediately known but Kunavore had undergone a cardiac operation in France two years ago before retiring from professional rugby.

"It is so sad to lose a fellow rugby player and at such a young age," Fiji Rugby Union development manager Sale Sorovaki said.

"Kunavore was a very gifted and talented player and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, may he rest in peace."

His father Joeli Nagiri told the Fiji Times that Kunavore had been dining with former Flying Fijians teammates Norman Ligairi and Semisi Naevo on Thursday shortly before his death.

"I had called him a few hours earlier and I was shocked when his wife called back to tell us the sad news," he said.

Kunavore played seven Tests at either wing or centre for Fiji, starting his international career in 2005 the same year he was signed by French Top 14 side Toulouse.

He was also a member of the Fiji squad which reached the quarter-finals of the 2007 World Cup.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE