Talented Fijian rugby player dies

Former Nelson rugby player and cancer sufferer Osea Namatalevu has died in Fiji.

The talented wing, who had represented Fiji in the under-19 World Cup, came to Nelson on a Nelson College rugby scholarship four years ago. He played for the college's 1st XV and then senior rugby for the Nelson Rugby Club straight out of school.

However, he became sick and was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The Nelson community and supporters in Fiji raised thousands of dollars for his treatment, but the cancer returned.

Namatalevu played his last game for Nelson in May, scoring the opening try in a 58-19 win over Huia, and returned to his home village of Togalevu later that month.

Nelson club coach Dave Fisher said today friends from Nelson had visited him recently and he was in good spirits.

"He never let his illness get him down. He was incredibly brave and positive."

The 22-year-old died in hospital on Sunday, and a funeral service will be held on Friday.

A memorial service will be held in Nelson later.

- © Fairfax NZ News