The rugby world is in mourning today after news broke of the death of Seru Rabeni, 37.
According to the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, the former Fijian international died suddenly at home in Nakasi. No cause of death was given.
Rabeni made his name as a flyer for the lauded Fijian Sevens team after a scintillating breakthrough in 1998.
Two years later and he made his senior Test debut. He went on to represent his country 30 times.
In 2003, ‘Rambo’ signed up with Super Rugby’s Highlanders before moving to Leicester Tigers in the Premiership a year later. He gained renown in Europe for five solid seasons, in the centre and on the wing, at Welford Road.
He finished out his rugby career in France, with La Rochelle and Mont-du-Marsan, before returning to his homeland.
Upon learning of Rabeni’s passing, a host of rugby stars paid tribute.
Seru Rabeni's passing is incredibly sad. What a player and a team man. Our support and best wishes go to his family.
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) March 15, 2016
Really Sad to hear about the passing of Fijian Great Seru Rabeni, #GoneTooSoon Thoughts & Prayers go out to the Rabeni Family
— Jerome Kaino (@jeromekaino) March 15, 2016
Just heard the sad news about Seru Rabeni passing. Amazing player and lovely guy off the field.
— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) March 15, 2016
Ireland’s Johne Murphy and Ian Humphreys both played with Rabeni at Leicester
So sad to wake up to the news of the passing of Seru Rabeni. Thoughts and prayers with his family. Rest in peace brother #tigersfamily
— Johne Murphy (@MurphyJohne) March 15, 2016
Shocked to hear of the death of Seru Rabeni… Great fella and incredible rugby player,m… #rip
— Ian Humphreys (@iHumph) March 15, 2016
