UPDATE: Fijian star Josaia Raisuqe killed after car hit by train
Fijian wing Josaia Raisuqe, who won Olympic sevens silver in Paris last year, has died after his car was hit by a train on Thursday, his Top 14 club Castres said.
He was 30.
Raisuqe was on his way to training when the train collided with his car on a level crossing.
None of the passengers nor the driver or conductor were injured, although they were suffering from shock, according to the firemen who attended the scene in southwest France.
'Castres Olympique is grieving,' Raisuqe said in a statement.
'He was a wonderful team-mate, appreciated by everyone, and Castres' supporters who had taken him to their hearts.'
Raisuqe had played seven times this season for Castres, his last appearance in the 52-6 thrashing by Toulouse on April 27.
Raisuqe, who was fired by Stade Francais in 2017 for gross misconduct, was set to play for tier-two side Brive for the next two seasons.
'He was a shining light of a boy on and off the pitch,' said Castres owner Pierre-Yves Revol.
'He was a pillar of the Fijian community which we have at the club (there are three other Fijians) and to whom we are very attached.
'It is difficult also at this time not to evoke the faith of all the players and of Josaia.
'That, aside from the grief, will help them in this very difficult time for everyone.'
Castres, who are fifth in the table, cancelled training for the day and Saturday's match with Clermont has been postponed, the French National Rugby League (LNR) announced.
The LNR expressed their 'extreme sadness' at the 'tragic death' adding homage would be paid to him at all Top 14 and second tier matches this weekend. Post your condolences below, by …
Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
26 minutes ago
- IOL News
Safa criticised for mishandling Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka situation
It was also revealed that Mdaka's salary is below R50,000 per month. This is in stark contrast to Bafana Bafana 's Belgian coach Hugo Broos , who reportedly earns a six-figure monthly salary. Mdaka led Amajita to the junior Afcon title last month, but according to reports, Safa has not processed bonuses due to the coach, while the footballing body's bonuses have been paid following the tournament. Challenges Facing South African Football Coaches: Issues with SAFA Support "The people that want to be coaches will most certainly be asking themselves, is this really the treatment that the coaches are getting? Which is not good for our youth football or South African football in general,' Mnguni told "The sad thing is, you can see that he's an old person; he's been around for a long time in football. My concerns are not solely about him as an individual, but more so about his family, his children, and wife, that his name is in the public like that and his salary has been made public information." "So, for the mental state of the family and the children, I think that's the sad part, that we just know such things all over the media. And could this have been handled better? Yes, definitely it could have been handled better, but the situation needs to be solved swiftly and needs to be addressed by Safa.' Mnguni went on to reveal that he has been trying to further his coaching qualifications, and has received little assistance from Safa. "Dealing with Safa is difficult. It's so difficult to go through Safa. I've won the league back-to-back. I've been trying to do my Caf B licence, and I find it difficult, even if I meet all the requirements, but I find it difficult just to say, Can I just do this course? Sometimes I feel like you need to know someone at Safa just to do this course.' "To be quite honest, I don't feel like it's easy to get communication through Safa. We are coaching youth football. I think we should be the ones who are prioritised for these coaching certificates because we need that knowledge so that we can develop better players. But if we find it this difficult to do a course, we won't reach our true potential.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
New coach alert? Orlando Pirates target addresses links!
Orlando Pirates continue to keep their cards closed regarding who will be Jose Riveiro's successor; but former Mamelodi Sundowns managers Rulani Mokwena and Pitso Mosimane are rumoured to be on their radar. However, both are being monitored by North African giants Zamalek FC, who will be flying high after their recent Egytpian Cup triumph over Pyramids FC. Mokwena addressed the links, which will have the Buccaneers pondering whether he wants to fight for the job. 'I didn't hear from them (Zamalek) after I had said I heard that coach Pitso was also in the running for this position,' Mokwena told SuperSport's Africa Soccer show. 'My relationship and my respect for him would not allow me to compete for the same coaching job with coach Pitso. It just wouldn't sit well with me, so I pulled out. I said I would rather they give it to Pitso.' 'Exactly what you are saying, my agent said, 'But this is a big club', and I said my respect for Pitso and what he has done for my career wouldn't allow me to do that.' While the future surrounding Monnapule Saleng continues to drag out with little-to-no clarity, Orlando Pirates are reportedly in the hunt for starlet Jaedin Rhodes – another sign that the 27-year-old's days in Soweto are limited 'One of those reinforcements could be a long-time target, Jaedin Rhodes. Although the 22-year-old has endured an underwhelming season with Cape Town City, he remains a high priority on the Buccaneers' list,' a source said. 'The club [Orlando Pirates] has been met with resistance by City in previous attempts to lure Rhodes to Gauteng, but according to sources, will try once more in the upcoming window. Complicating matters will be the Citizens' peculiar situation.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Percy Tau reveals salary demands as Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates lurk
Percy Tau is in line for a return to South Africa after leaving Qatar SC. Can Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs match his massive wage demands? 31-year-old Bafana star Tau is looking for something in the region of R450,000 a month. Meanwhile, ex-club Sundowns wouldn't find it difficult to match that number. Percy Tau would consider a move to Kaizer Chiefs if they stumped up a salary package meeting his demands. You can check out his full interview with Robert Marawa below. Tau would be satisfied by R450,000 a month and a two-year deal. Meanwhile, according to iDiski Times, Chiefs have entered the race to sign top teenage prospect Neo Rapoo from SuperSport United. Orlando Pirates are known admirers of the full-back star. The 19-year-old SuperSport star recently tasted success with the Afcon U20 side. Click for the story Kaizer Chiefs' Sporting Director – Kaizer Motaung Jr – speaks to the media from the FNB Stadium. Image: Kick Off Is Tau within his rights to demand such a hefty salary? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
