Ex-Rugby Skipper Toga, Passes Away
Former national rugby skipper Ratu Sela Toga, 84 will be laid to rest at Saunaka, Nadi today.
He had passed away at his home in Saunaka on Christmas Day.
The former number 8 first donned the white jersey in 1963 representing Fiji at the first South Pacific Games.
Fiji was one of the three countries taking part and won all their double round-robin competition matches. Fiji was unbeaten in the tournament and were presented with the gold medal by the thenGovernor of Fiji, Sir Robert Sidney Foster.
The following year Toga was part of the first Fijian side that toured Wales, France and Canada. They played 12 matches three of which were tests.
Fiji lost to Wales in Cardiff Arms Park 22-28 and later to France 15-40.
Those part of that tour included Seru Tuisese, Suliasi Daunitutu, Petero Rasiosateki, Josateki Nasova, Aporosa Robe, George Barley, Jese Mucunabitu, Aca Soqoqoqo, Joeli Naucabalavu, Vereniki Nalio, Jope. Naucabalavu (Snr), Severo Walisolisoli, Uliasi Tukana and Suliasi Cavu.
Toga, who was bed-ridden, was visited by former team mate Sitiveni Rabuka just before Christmas.
“Toga was a man of few words who had great skills in rugby,” the former Prime Minister said.
Toga was skipper when Fiji beat the British Barbarians 29-9 at Gosforth in 1970. Rabuka, the late Atonio Racika, Nasivi Ravouvou, Ratu Jope Senilol, Ratu Ilaitia Tuisese and Isimeli Batibasaga were part of the touring side.
“Toga had a very effective personality that helped his leadership ,” Rabuka shared.
“He did not exert leadership, people just followed his example.
“He was a great player and a very quiet man. He led by example.
“He was a committed player on and off the field. At training, he was a real beacon of light to the younger players and I was the youngest in the team.”
Rabuka was yesterday working on his eulogy which will be delivered by Nadi Rugby Union president, Mataiasi Nabau today as he has commitments and will not be attending the 10am funeral service.
“I went to visit him last week. At the time he was just lying in bed; whether he heard me or not, I took some Christmas groceries for the family,” Rabuka he added.
Toga is survived by five children and five grandchildren.
The name Toga is synonymous in the field of rugby and netball. His daughter Adi Kula Matewale is a former national netball rep.
Toga had played 42 games for Fiji earning him 11 caps, 19 tries, 57 points before hanginghis boots in 1975.