World Rugby and Oceania Rugby are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fiji Warriors tight-head prop Bele Tabalala in Suva. He was competing in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge with his teammates and failed to wake up on Saturday morning.
This tragic event has naturally come as a shock to the Fiji Rugby Union and the Warriors squad. The heartfelt thoughts and condolences of the global rugby family are with his family, friends and teammates at this very difficult time.
Oceania Rugby is partnering World Rugby in managing the tournament in Suva, Fiji, and has pledged its full support to the Fiji Rugby Union at this sad time and will assist the playing squad as it moves forward and comes to terms with this tragedy.
The global rugby family will be heartened that the Fiji Warriors are determined to complete the tournament on Monday by playing in the final against the Argentina Pampas XV to honour the memory of their teammate Bele.