THE rugby league community is mourning the passing of Fijian international and former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs junior Mesake ‘Mes’ Ravonu.
Ravonu, a talented and humble young footballer, passed away at the age of 22 after a long battle with kidney disease.
He was forced to retire from rugby league in 2024 following his diagnosis, bringing to an early end a promising career that had already seen him represent Fiji Bati on the international stage at the 2023 Pacific Championships.
Mes was part of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ 2023 Jersey Flegg premiership squad and made his Test debut for the Fiji Bati during the 2023 Pacific Championships.
However, his career was cut short in 2024 when he was forced into medical retirement after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs also paid tribute to Ravonu in a separate statement.
“The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are deeply saddened by the passing of former Jersey Flegg player Mesake ‘Mes’ Ravonu,” the club said.
“He showed exceptional athletic promise from a young age and represented the Fijian National Under-18 Schoolboys and Under-20 Rugby Union teams.”
Ravonu joined the Bulldogs ahead of the 2022 season, where his debut year was disrupted by two serious injuries. Despite this, his resilience paid off when he earned selection for the Fiji Bati squad in 2023 a proud moment for his family.
In 2024, he progressed to the Bulldogs’ NSW Cup squad before being forced into premature retirement after being diagnosed with IgA Nephropathy, an auto-immune kidney disease.
Mesake returned home to Fiji later that year and spent his final days surrounded by family in Malawai, Nadi.
“The Bulldogs family will forever remember Mesake’s determination, infectious smile and the joy he brought to everyone around him,” the statement said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
