FORMER Flying Fijian great Joeli Veitayaki has passed away. He was 58-years-old.
His family relayed news of his death on social media via Meta (Facebook) and the announcement has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the rugby fraternity.
In a statement, his daughter Talei Veitayaki said his passing had come as a great shock to their family.
“Joeli’s (Veitayaki) passing has come as a great shock to our family and we are taking time to come together,” she wrote.
“A gentle giant with a big heart. He was loved by many and had an huge impact on his community.”
She added funeral arrangements would be shared once finalised.
The late Veitayaki was born on the island of Matuku in Lau.
He represented Fiji from 1994-2003 in which he made 49 appearances and attained 15 points.
Besides national duties, he also played for Chiefs in 1996 and the Blues in 1999 in the Super Rugby competition and had played for the Irish club Ulster from 2001-2003.
