Media Release – FRU Confirms Tabalala’s Cause of Death

The Fiji Rugby Union can now confirm that the untimely passing of Iosefo Bele Tabalala was the result of a Cardiac Arrest.  Tabalala had a previous history of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).

“FRU has a stringent medical screening process in alignment with World Rugby requirements and we will continue to be vigilant going forward,” FRU Chief Executive Officer Radrodro Tabualevu said.

Iosefo Bele Tabalala

The FRU conducts a medical screening on all athletes prior to undergoing a fitness test. The paper work for this process also requires athletes to declare any pre-existing medical conditions.

The FRU medical panel has now reviewed all internal processes and has as a result escalated its baseline procedures with rigorous and objective cardiac screening.

“While this is a deep loss for the Union we plead with other sporting federations to advocate and raise more awareness on RHD with their athletes,” Tabualevu added.

Meanwhile the FRU Board, Management, Staff and the 2015 Telecom Fiji Warriors Team and will pay their traditional respects to the Tabalala family tomorrow Wednesday 25 March.

The 32 year old failed to wake up from his sleep at his hotel camp at the Southern Cross on Saturday 21 March in Suva.

Tabalala was selected to be in the Telecom Fiji Warriors team after a rigorous selection process and was based in Brisbane, Australia playing for the Brothers Club.

He is from Yaudigi village, Togoru, Macuata and started his rugby career with the University of the South Pacific team in 2005.Tabalala’s

Resurrection Mass will be held on Thursday at the Laucala Bay Parish. He will finally be laid to rest at the Nasinu Cemetery.

(Photo Courtesy of Teivovo Magazine)