Former Fiji 15s and Sevens rep Sela Gutugutuwai has passed away.

Gutugutuwai who hails from Nakasaleka, Kadavu passed away in Sydney yesterday afternoon after a short illness.

Gutugutuwai represented Suva and Army back in the 70s and 80s before making his mark for the national side in the 1984 Hong Kong 7s.

He played an important role in Fiji’s triumphs over New Zealand at So Kong Po when they smashed the Kiwis 26-0.

Gutugutuwai played with some well-known players like former police commissioner Esala Teleni, Sunia Nadruku, Vilikesa Vatuwaliwali, Koli Rakoroi and Peter Kean the elder brother of Suva Rugby Union President Francis Kean.

He also scored a try when the National 15s side beat Queensland in 1979.

Gutugutuwai is survived by his wife Maraya and their five children.


Story by: Rusiate Baleilevuka