Former Fiji 7's manager and former senior Police Officer, Jone Buakula yesterday passed away yesterday after a short illness.

Buakula, who hails from Yavulo in Sigatoka, along with late Coach Rupeni Ravonu led Fiji to World Cup victory in 1997.

The former British Army Para Trooper was first appointed as manager in 1996 during the time Tomasi Cama was coach.