So long, Mr Vute
The Fiji National Rugby League has lost one of its leaders. Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby League (FSSRL) president, Akuila Vute, passed away last week. He will be laid to rest today. The late Vute was the principal of Marist Brothers High School.
Condolences messages from teachers, students and the rugby league family poured out on social media since the day of his passing.
People shared similar sentiments of him as a passionate and loving Teacher and devoted leader of the sport.
Vute had so many sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the development and future of rugby league, through the FSSRL.
Fiji National Rugby League wrote: A TRUE LEADER OF KIND WORDS and DEED AND ONE OF OUR GREAT CHARACTERS. Rest In Peace Sir.
The FSSRL executives presented their i-reguregu last Friday.
“It is so sad to have lose a leader,” Penaia Qaliruraga, president of Southern Zone Rugby League said.
During Vute’s leadership for the first time saw the commencement of girl’s rugby league competition at schools in Fiji.
FNRL CEO, Don Natabe said: “We have lost a passionate and visionary rugby league leader. Mr Vute has made a remarkable yet thankless contribution to rugby league, he will be respected for that.
“Many teachers like himself would volunteer their time outside of their working hours to reach.
“We share fond memories of having to talks about his ambitions of expanding schools league particularly reaching to our indo-Fijian community and further promoting girls participation.
“We thank his family for supporting him in various capacities and more recently as as President of the School League since 2019,” Natabe added.
He was 48 and survived by his wife and two sons.