Fijian Olympic rugby medallist Raisuqe dies after train collision in France Photo

Josaia Raisuqe, a Fijian rugby player and Olympic silver medallist, died on May 8 after his car was struck by a train at a level crossing in southwest France, his French Top 14 club Castres said.

The 30-year-old winger, who was on his way to a training session, died at the scene, Caliber.Az reports, citing French media.

According to emergency services, none of the train's passengers, nor the driver or conductor, were injured, though all were treated for shock.

“Castres Olympique is grieving,” the club said in a statement. “He was a wonderful team-mate, appreciated by all, and much loved by the club’s supporters.”

Raisuqe won silver with Fiji’s rugby sevens team at the 2024 Paris Olympics and had made seven appearances for Castres this season, his last being in the 52–6 defeat to Toulouse on 27 April.

A former Stade Français player, Raisuqe was dismissed by the Paris club in 2017 for gross misconduct but had revived his career and was set to join second-tier side Brive on a two-year contract.

“He was a shining light on and off the pitch,” said Castres president Pierre-Yves Revol. “He was a pillar of the Fijian community at the club. His faith, like that of many of his team-mates, will be a source of strength in this difficult time.”

The French National Rugby League (LNR) announced that Castres' match against Clermont scheduled for May 10 had been postponed. Tributes will be paid to Raisuqe across all Top 14 and Pro D2 fixtures this weekend.

The LNR expressed its “immense sadness” at what it called a “tragic death.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev