FORMER Flying Fijian hooker Ilikimi Torosi has passed away and will be buried today at his village in Namada, Nadroga.
The 47-year-old former rugger died of heart attack in Nadi last Wednesday after returning home from a road run.
Torosi was a member of the winning Army Rugby Club in Suva in the mid ’80s as well as the champion Suva rugby team that defended the Farebrother Trophy so successfully from 1988 to 1991.
The Capital City side had big names such as Esala Teleni, Koli Rakoroi, Salacieli Naiviliwasa, Pita Naruma, Peni Rakai, Nemani Matirewa, Aisake Nadolo, Mosese Taga, Tomasi Cama, Alifereti Dere and Pauliasi Tabulutu.
He was also part of the Flying Fijians rugby team that toured Europe in 1989.
A soldier by profession, Torosi also played provincial rugby for both Nadroga and Lautoka.
His former Army team- mate in Nadi’s Fourth FIR Simione Roqica said the late Torosi always gave 100 per cent on the field.
“Regardless whether he is playing for the Army, Suva or the Flying Fijians rugby team, Torosi was a player who we could rely on, he was an inspirational player and a good pack leader,” said Roqica.
He will be accorded a full military burial today.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
