A heart of lion and a champion himself, are some of the words that describes former national 15s captain and flanker Rupeni Qaraniqio who passed away.
Former Fiji 15s team flyhalf Dan Lobendhan said he never came across any rugby player in Fiji like Rupeni.
66-year-old Qaraniqio who was known as ‘The Spoiler’ during his playing days was also referred to as one of the greatest flankers Fiji has ever had.
He passed away at the Lautoka Hospital after a short illness.
Qaraniqio was also a former captain of Nadroga.
Since 1972, Qaraniqio played tests for Fiji against Tonga, NZ, the NZ Maori, the British Lions, England, France, Australia and Italy.
He was part of the Fiji side that beat the British Lions 25-21 in 1977.
In 1974, they almost beat the All Blacks at the old Buckurst Park.
The final score was 14 13.
He played with players like Rodney Samuels, Ilaitia Tuisese, Ilisoni Taoba, Tui Cavuilati, Ravuama Latilevu and Nimilote Ratudina.
In 1980, Qaraniqio and his Nadroga team nearly caused an upset when they almost defeated the All Blacks only to lose out in the end 14-6.
Qaraniqio is survived by his wife Verenaisi, four children and six grandchildren.
He will be laid to rest this Saturday in his village in Cuvu.
His wife Verenaisi said his eldest grandchild and namesake, 16-year-old Rupeni Qaraniqio is following the footsteps of his grandfather.
Qaraniqio Junior played for Cuvu college in the Under 17 grade and won against Ba Provincial Freebird.
Story by: Vijay Narayan, Tokasa Rainima and Dhanjay Deo
Qaraniqio had a heart of a lion – Dan Lobendhan
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