Rugby world rocked as Olympian dies at 30 after train accident

News.com.au

09-05-2025

Rugby star Josaia Raisuqe has tragically died at the age of 30 after being hit by a train.
It is understood that Raisuqe suffered a road traffic accident on Thursday morning when his car was hit by a train at a level crossing, The Sun reports.
The incident occurred as he was on his way to a training session for Castres in France.
After learning of the tragic news, the wing's teammates were dismissed from training.
The team's upcoming match against Clermont Auvergne - scheduled for this Saturday - is now expected to be postponed.
'It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the death this morning of our player Josaia Raisuqe in a road accident,' a statement from Castres read.
'The entire CO family is devastated by this terrible news. Josh had been a member of the club since 2021.
'He was a wonderful teammate, much loved by everyone, including the Castres supporters who had embraced him.
'We extend our sincere condolences and thoughts to his family and loved ones.'
Team president Pierre-Yves Revol said: '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.'
He went on to add: 'Of course, my thoughts are with his fiancee 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.'
French side RC Toulon paid tribute to Raisuqe with a heartfelt message on social media.
A statement read: 'The Toulon Rugby Club is devastated to learn of Josaia Raisuqe's passing this morning, as he was heading to training.
'Our thoughts are with his family, his loved ones, his teammates, the Castres Olympique club, and its supporters.'
Stade Toulousain also shared a message which read: 'Stade Toulousain learned with horror of the death of Josaia Raisuqe this morning, in a traffic accident.
'The entire club wishes to express its support and deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and his club, Castres Olympique.'
And Harlequins shared a tribute on social media: 'Everyone at Harlequins sends their thoughts & prayers to our friends at @CastresRugby and the friends & family of Josaia Raisuqe during this difficult time.'
Raisuqe reposted a picture of himself and his teammates on Instagram just hours before his tragic accident.
Fans have now flocked to his social media to pay tribute.
Born in Naitasiri, Fiji, Raisuqe started playing rugby at a young age. He dreamt of playing for the Fiji 7s - something he later went on to achieve.
In his professional playing career he played for Stade Francais and Nevers before moving to Castres in 2021.
He was part of the Fijian side that won a silver medal in the rugby sevens at last year's Olympic Games in Paris.