Fiji star Josua Tuisova playing on at Rugby World Cup despite seven-year-old son’s death and he’s set to face England
Fiji rugby star Josua Tuisova will carry on playing at the Rugby World Cup despite his son passing away during the tournament.
The ball carrier learnt of the news of the seven-year-old's death just hours before his country's 17-12 win over Georgia on Saturday.
But Tuisova, whose son died of a long illness, won't return home and will miss his child's funeral on Tuesday as a result.
The news of the death was announced on Friday.
"With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Tito Micgabraph Donzel Ratulevu," a statement read.
"He is the son of Mr Josua Tuisova and Mrs Katarina Ladoge Ramoce.
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"Affectionately known as 'Tito', he peacefully departed after a prolonged battle with a debilitating illness in Lautoka hospital."
Fiji are on the brink of making the World Cup quarter-finals for the third time in their history.
The Pacific Islanders need just one point against Portugal in their final Pool C tie away from the next round, with them set to face Steve Borthwick’s England in the quarter-finals.
Tuisova is a key player for Fiji, with the 29-year-old winning man-of-the-match in their 22-15 win over Australia.
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Just hours after learning of his son's death, the 29-year-old played 79 minutes against Georgia to help his country come back from a 9-0 deficit.
Fiji face Portugal on Sunday.