The rugby fraternity is mourning the passing away of former Flying Fijians star centre Seru Rabeni. The 37-year-old Nasolo native from Bua died in Nausori yesterday.

Renowned for his bone crushing tackles, Rabeni was one of the stars of the Ilivasi Tabua-coached Flying Fijians side that reached the quarterfinals of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Earlier in his career, he played alongside maestro Waisale Serevi in the national sevens team in the 1999/2000 World Sevens Series.

Former Lautoka rugby coach and national 7s manager Epeli Lagiloa said that Rabeni was a like a son to him.

“Seru was very close to me during his two years of studies at the Lautoka Teachers College and he was with us at home,” an emotional Lagiloa said.

“I understood his family background very well and I became his mentor while he was at college and then began playing for Lautoka Rugby. I got him into the national 7s team and later on to Otago University to do his degree.”

While in Otago, Rabeni played for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition.

Lagiloa said Rabeni had qualities of a good leader.

“He was tough and  a very good leader on and off the field, a good community man. Not only he was making his country proud by donning national jumper he was also doing development works for his village.

“He has left behind a legacy of hard work, leadership and will be missed by all in the rugby fraternity,” he added.

Ro Alivereti Doviverata, who captained the Flying Fijians to the 2003 Rugby World Cup in which Rabeni was part of, was still coming to terms with his passing away. Doviverata said Rabeni had all the qualities a coach needs.

“The news came as a shock to me. I still cannot believe that one of our world class players has died.

“I’m really saddened by the news and my condolences to his family.”

Rabeni is survived by his wife Noame and sons Josh and Seru Junior..

Feedback:  anasilinir@fijisun.com.fj