This has been a magical Rugby World Cup for Fiji and Josh Tuisova. They require just one point from their final group game against Portugal to qualify for the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time since 2007.
Famed for their flamboyant style and the sensational athletes they produce, this is quite possibly the greatest team Fiji have ever brought to a World Cup.
After a narrow 32-26 loss to Wales, a game in which they were one dropped ball away from clinching a potentially winning score. They bounced back superbly to pull off an upset against the Wallabies securing victory by 22-15.
Their only try scorer and man of the match in that victory was a player who has been lighting up rugby in France and across Europe with his immense power and pace, Josh Tuisova.
However, just moments before kick off in a vital pool game against Georgia, Josh Tuisova received utterly tragic news.
READ HERE: Farrell And Sexton Hit Back At Celebration Police After Huge Scotland Win
READ HERE: Brian O'Driscoll Comments Will Give Ireland Fans Hope That This World Cup Might Be Different
The Tuisova try that sealed Fiji's win#AUSvFIJpic.twitter.com/uwVO9O8Rve
— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) September 17, 2023
SEE MORE: Scottish Prop Hammered For Cowardly Act He Pulled On Ireland Star Dan Sheehan
Heartwrenching news for Tuisova
Tuisova was informed just prior to kick-off against Georgia that his 7-year-old son, Tito, had died following a long battle with illness.
After receiving the news, Josh Tuisova elected to play the match and was a key part of Fiji's come from behind victory, despite receiving a yellow card late on.
They were able to erase a 9-0 deficit to beat the Georgians 17-12. Despite the fact Tuisova had only just learnt of his son's passing he took over half an hour at the end of the match to spend time with the Fijian supporters who had made the trip to Bordeaux.
Josua Tuisova spent over half an hour meeting and thanking fans after Fiji's win over Georgia. What a role model 🤝 #rugby #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/JYp1A0tR5h
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 3, 2023
It was revealed in a report by Fiji Village, that Josh Tuisova elected to stay with the squad rather than return home for his son's funeral on Tuesday.
This story out of the Fijian camp is utterly heartbreaking. The importance of the competition to the people of Fiji has never been more apparent and what an opportunity this team have, considering the motivation especially for a player like Tuisova in the aftermath of such a tragic event.
On Friday, Josh Tuisova was picked in the centre to play for Fiji against Portugal, and will play today in their final pool game.
READ HERE: Scottish Prop Hammered For Cowardly Act He Pulled On Ireland Star Dan Sheehan
Flying Fijians are ready 💪.
🇫🇯 VS 🇵🇹
⏰ 7am FJT #FIJIWaterFlyingFijians #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/RhqLOv9Sw0— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) October 6, 2023
Should Fiji secure at least one point from their upcoming game against Portugal, they will face England in a quarter-final.
While it is no doubt a daunting task for the Flying Fijians they will carry immense confidence having defeated the former World Champions at Twickenham for the first time ever just over a month ago.
Tuisova's commitment to the team and their journey in such trying circumstances shows this Fiji team believe they have a date with destiny at this Rugby World Cup.
SEE MORE: Peter O'Mahony Takes Incredible Swipe At Scotland After They Fail To Show Up Again
