THE Fiji rugby fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its former player Viliame Lilidamu who passed away after at the Lautoka hospital last Saturday after an illness.
Lilidamu, who hailed from Kadavu represented Nadi from 1986 to 1988 and made his national debut on the wing against Tonga in Nukualofa in June 1986.
He was part of 1978 Marist Brothers High School Deans Trophy winning team which also went to produce national reps such as John Sandy and Timothy Daniel.
Lilidamu played club rugby for Mount Saint Mary’s in Nadi and was also part of the Saunaka 7s team.
Penisoni Waki who played alongside Lilidamu for Saunaka and Nadi said a meeting of former Nadi reps would be held at Ilai Koroitama’s residence at Narewa Village at 7.30pm today to discuss their contribution arrangements.
He said the funeral would be held in Suva next Friday.
Samuela Kailawadoko who was associated with Lilidamu said in the mid-1980s and 90s they had a formidable Mt St Mary’s team in the Nadi club competition.
“Lilidamu was a member of the team that included Inoke and Sairusi Tabualevu, the Raikuna brothers, the Iokimi Finau brothers, Belasio Vukiwai, Asaeli Hughes, James Rodan and Mosese Coriakula.
“The side also had two sprinters Inia Seruiratu who is the current Minister of Agriculture and Marika Koroi from Marist Brothers.
“We had about six or seven Fiji reps in our team.
“No doubt this considerable playing achievement, together with renowned Mt St Mary’s rugby club hospitality made a very favourable impression on Lilidamu.”
