FORMER Flying Fijians flanker Manasa Qoro was laid to rest at his Nawaka Village burial ground in Nadi yesterday.
A host of former Fijian internationals and provincial rugby players including Ilai Korotamana, Aseali Hughes, Belasio Vukiwai and Penisoni Waki attended the funeral service alongside Epeli Turuva and Maika Toga who travelled from overseas.
Qoro made his Test debut for the Flying Fijians against Argentina in Hamilton, New Zealand, during the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. Fiji Rugby Union regional development manager Sale Sorovaki delivered the Fiji Rugby Union eulogy.
“I grew up having heard of Qoro’s name and that he was a great rugby forward who kicked a drop goal,” Sorovaki said.
“As rugby brothers, it was always the white jersey that brought us together.
“He died at 55 and represented Fiji seven times. He was well known for the game against Italy because of his drop-kick. He was the first forward in the world to kick that drop-kick at any Rugby World Cup.
“Qoro, we can say today, has fought a good fight, finished the race and kept the faith as stated in the book of second Timothy 4:7 in the Bible.” Qoro represented the Nawaka Rugby Club from 1982-1983 and became a Nadi rep in 1984.
His last international was against Belgium in 1989.
He also played in Sri Lanka while on contract for the Kandy Rugby Club from 1989-1991 and the Colombo Hockey and Football Club from 1991-1994.
Qoro is survived by his wife, five children and two grandchildren.
