Members of the national and Nadi rugby fraternity bid their final farewell to the former Flying Fijian and Nadi rugby captain Peniame Naresia at Narewa Village in Nadi on Friday.

Known as the Gentle Giant, Nar­esia passed away at the age of 71.

Speaking at Vatulevu Church dur­ing the funeral service Taniela Vo­cevoce said, Naresia first played for Nadi at the age of 21.

“He was called into the team after Nasivi Ravouvou was with the Fiji team during an overseas tour,” Vo­cevoce said.

“Peniame later captained Nadi and he was a disciplined player.”

Naresia made his Test debut against Tonga in 1972 and played a total of 7 test matches.

He was later honoured by the Fiji Rugby Union at Churchill Park, Lautoka on June 2018.

The former Nadi great, had two brothers Jona Qoro and Vuata Nar­esia Snr who also donned the Nadi and national rugby jumper with pride.

He is survived by his daughter and four grandchildren.

Edited by Osea Bola

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