THOUSANDS of people from all walks of life converged at the Assemblies of God church in Saru, Lautoka, to farewell former Fiji rugby great Sairusi Naituku.
Remembered as a fearless warrior when out on the field, the turnout was a fitting farewell for a man best known for his golden heart and a demeanor that matched.
A true gentle giant in every sense of the word, the fallen rugby hero leaves behind a legacy of love that will be remembered by loved ones — his teammates, students, co-workers and friends.
He contributed immensely to the country as a sportsperson and as a teacher. His teammates remember him as a tough no nonsense player. Students looked up to him as a great role model. Players and athletes say he motivated them to excel. Musically gifted and a great storyteller, he composed a song for Natabua High School which was sung by students at his grave site.
But above all, he was known as a loving and humble husband to wife Merewalesi.
In his eulogy yesterday, former Fiji 15s captain Koli Rakoroi called him one of Fiji Rugby’s unsung héroes.
Rakoroi was the captain of the national side that reached the quarter-final of the 1987 Rugby World Cup which the late Naituku was part of.
He said the late school teacher played a vital role in that campaign, on and off the field.
“He was a workaholic and a tough man on the field,” said Rakoroi.
“He was the always the first player to put his hands up every time someone in our team scored.
The former national captain said his former mate was a man of many talents.
Divisional Education Officer Western Albert Wise said in his eulogy that the former Natabua High School teacher was a pride of the West.
“As coach Master Sai created history for Natabua High School and the Western Division when he guided the school to win the Coke Games boys title last year,” said Wise.
Wife Merewalesi said in her eulogy she had lost a caring and loving husband.
Rugby players present yesterday include Naituku’s teammates Rakoroi, Peni Volavola, Rusiate Namoro, Semi Talawadua and Samu Yalayala.
Also present was former reps Viliame Satala and Niko Baleiverata.
