Fijian-born former All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko has paid tribute to Joeli Vidiri, posting on social media the impact his fellow countryman had on him as a young rugby player growing up in South Auckland, New Zealand.
Vidiri passed away on Friday while travelling in the US, aged 48.
Born in Fiji in 1973, Vidiri became a sensation on the field for his match-winning heroics for Counties Manukau and the Blues.
He played for Fiji and the All Blacks in fifteens and sevens rugby.
“The reason why I wanted to be a Counties and Blues man was because of you,” Rokocoko said on his Instagram account.
“I remember you gave us tickets to every single game Counties/Blues that you played at home, you always had time for me and how you inspired me so much my cuz.
“Always beside me and supporting me since my first trail rep team Counties U14.
“I always wanted to fill that Blues jersey and carry on the legacy you had made and I hope I had made you proud for carrying on what you had left behind.
“You gave every Fijian player inspiration in making their dreams come true and believing in themselves.
“Proud Blues player because of you and thank you for believing in me my cuz.”
Former Flying Fijians prop Joe Veitayaki also wrote:
“Rest well my friend, my brother noqu yaca Joeli Vidiri. Thank you for all that you done for our nation Fiji and NZ.”
