EPELI Osborne, the winning coach of the 2026 Suva Grammar School under-18 Deans rugby side, passed away at his home in Suva last Saturday.
He was 42.
He was part of the victorious Grammar team that broke a 25-year winless jinx to bring the Deans trophy back to Veiuto, Suva in August this year, and part of the team that last won it in 2001.
The news of his passing was relayed publicly by the president of the Suva Grammar School (SGS) Old Scholars Association and renowned journalist Stanley Simpson on Saturday night.
This was done with the permission of his family and after traditional protocols were observed.
Simpson paid tribute to the late coach and former Grammar scholar, extensively detailing his commitment to the Grammarian movement as an old scholar and a coach.
“Peli was a kind, caring, committed old scholar who gave his time and heart into guiding and nurturing young people – especially young Grammarians,” Simpson wrote.
Simpson has described Osborne’s passing as a heartbreaking loss, particularly for the school’s under-18 squad.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our Suva Grammar School family, particularly our U18 boys, who have shared an incredible journey with Coach Peli.”
In another tribute, Simpson said Osborne connected with young people, motivated them and made them believe in themselves.
The under-18 squad that lifted the Deans trophy under his tutelage did so after months of training and preparations that began right after they concluded their Deans campaign in the under-17 grade a year ago.
His wife Lavenia also paid tribute to him by stating his passing left a “profound ache in our hearts.”
“There are no words that can truly capture how much Epeli meant to all of us or how deeply he will be missed.” she wrote.
“He was a trusted brother, a dutiful son, a loyal friend, a magnificent uncle, and a wonderful son-in-law and brother-in-law.”
“The memories we shared and the love he gave to our family will remain with us always.”
It is understood Osborne would have been present at a Deans celebration organised by Grammar old scholars in the West on Saturday night, however a chair and a table on which the Deans trophy was placed were draped in black cloth instead.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
