Josaia Raisuqe dies in car crash as tributes flow for the Olympic silver medallist

Tributes are flowing after the shock death of Fijian rugby player and Olympic silver medallist Josaia Raisuqe, aged 30.

Raisuqe, who plays for French rugby team Castres, was a member of Fiji’s rugby sevens Olympic team that won silver last year.

Castres said Raisuqe died in a “road accident” and that the team learned of the death Thursday morning.

Local media reports his car was struck by a train at a level crossing.

In a statement, Castres said the club “is in mourning” and postponed its game against ASM Clermont that was scheduled for Saturday.

“The entire CO (Castres Olympique) family is shaken by this terrible news,” the statement read.

“Josh had been part of the club since 2021. He was a wonderful teammate, very much appreciated by all, and by the Castres supporters who had adopted him. We extend our sincere condolences and our thoughts to his family and loved ones.”

Raisuqe played in the rugby sevens gold medal match in Paris, which Fiji lost 28-7 to host France.

He was a much-loved team member.

The Fiji Drua, who play the Blues later today in their Super Rubgy match, also paid tribute.

“We lost more than a player — we lost a brother, a teammate and a true son of Fijian Rugby,” they said.

“Rest in peace, Jo. Your spirit will forever live on in the game and in our hearts.”

His partner also posted a tribute on Instagram, sharing a range of photos of them together.

“Babe, my love, my beautiful husband. Thank you for all my love. I love you all my life, way up there,” she wrote.

Raisuqe has been playing club rugby in France since 2015, when he joined Top 14 champions Stade Francais.

He also played for second-division side Nevers, and got into an infamous incident in 2021 when, overjoyed by a win, he hoisted the referee over his head after the fulltime whistle. The ref gave him a red card.

The following season, Castres deployed Raisuqe as a flanker en route to the 2022 Top 14 final.

“He was a radiant boy on and off the field, a pillar of the Fijian community we have at the club and to which we are very attached,” Castres chairman Pierre-Yves Revol said.

“It is also difficult at this time not to mention the faith of all these (Fijian) players and of Josaia. My thoughts are with his fiancee and his entire family.”

- with AAP