Seru Rabeni, a former Leicester Tigers player, died at the age of 37.
Between 2004 and 2009, the strong midfielder made 63 appearances for the Tigers before joining Leeds Carnegie for a year.
He also represented Fiji in the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, two Hong Kong Sevens series, the 2002 Commonwealth Games, and the Barbarians.
According to the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, Rabeni, who played for the Otago Highlanders in New Zealand and garnered 30 international caps, died on Tuesday morning while having breakfast at home in Nakasi, his motherland.
The cause of his death is unknown at this time. According to reports from Fiji, Rabeni died while having breakfast at his house in Nausori. He had just recovered from illness, according to fijivillage.com.
Leicester City chief executive Simon Cohen said: “Seru was a great, fantastic man; he was tremendously kind and well-liked by all of the players and staff. He always smiled. He always made light of even the most severe situations.
“He normally added warmth to the training ground and the entire Welford Road. He was a superb player with an incredible blend of skill, quick footwork, and enormous muscle.
“Those who saw the 2007 Premiership Final will never forget his performance that day.”
Former Leicester winger Tom Varndell wrote on Twitter, “Such sad news to wake up to, Seru Rabeni has died.” Fantastic player, and it was a pleasure to play with him at @LeicesterTigers. “Rest in peace, Seru.”
Lote Tuqiri, an Australian winger born in Fiji, tweeted: “Man just received the news of Fijian and @LeicesterTigers legend Seru Rabeni’s passing this morning in Fiji. “A great man was taken far too young at the age of 37.”
Highlanders, a Super Rugby club, tweeted: “We are saddened to learn of Seru Rabeni’s demise today; our prayers are with his family. #Highlander92”
