English Rugby Club honours fallen Fijian brother
Written by Alex Elbourne on July 18, 2024
When news of the untimely passing of Kasiano Raturaga began spreading and his friends and family started sharing their stories of him, one in particular from a classmate of his at Marist Brothers High School, Fred Raiwalui, stood out because it seemed to encapsulate the character of a man who touched so many lives in the short time he was here.
Kasi as he was known affectionately to those around was by all accounts one of those special people who had the ability to lift others around him, not for credit but because it was in his nature. When someone like that is taken, the measure of who he was can be seen in how those he leaves behind react. In this case, along with the outpouring of sadness and celebration that came from family and friends his former rugby club in England have also stepped up to show support for Kasi’s family and to honour his memory. First, with an upcoming rugby tournament for veterans of those who played with Raturaga.
The tournament, set to be held in early August has been organised by Andy McGrory who was Kasi’s best friend in England, being so close that he was also Andy’s best man at his wedding.
In addition, his former club, Broadsheet Rugby Club have designed a jersey to raise money for his family who now live in NZ. When reading the story behind the jersey it becomes clear how integral a part of the club Kasiano Raturaga was, and just how much he meant to them.
We wish the Broadsheet Rugby Club all the best in their fundraising efforts and while Kasi may have left us some months ago it is apparent that those who loved him still feel the echoes of his passing.
On a personal note, I never met Kasiano despite us going to the same school because I was much older but I do remember covering his beloved discus event at the Coca-Cola Games when he was setting records and winning medals and remember being struck by the sense of composure he carried even then.
Rest in love OB
Kasiano’s 100 Nights celebration will be held in Auckland this Sunday.
