Ravulo will be missed: Tuicakau
The Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) is mourning the passing away of their vice-president Elemaca Ravulo.
Ravulo who coached Queen Victoria School to win the Coke Deans Trophy last year, died at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva last Thursday. He was fondly known as Macho among teachers and former school mates.
FSSRU secretary Waisake Tuicakau told SUNsports that they have lost a mentor and a dedicated person.
“This is sad news as we have lost someone whose has nurtured students to become professional rugby players,” he said. “Ravulo nurtured Flying Fijians star players of Kini Murimurivalu, Dominiko Waqaniburotu and Api Naikatini. They were members of his QVS rugby team and also those in the Fijian under-18 team.”
He also coached QVS to win the Deans Trophy in 2003 and the Fiji U18 team that were sponsored by Hot Bread Kitchen during the Australia tour. Ravulo was also part of the coaching panel of the Fiji U18 team in 2013 where they upset New Zealand in Australia. QVSOB rugby club executive Tuvula Kinivuwai also echoed similar sentiments.
“He was a father figure to many of our boys and he groomed most of our players during their school days back in QVS. “Three-quarter of this team are made-up of boys that were nurtured by Macho. Macho will be missed by the rugby fraternity as a father for development after successfully guiding and nurturing players who have become professionals today.”
He will be laid to rest tomorrow.