Tributes have been paid from right around the world of rugby following the untimely death of former Fijian centre Seru Rabeni.
The 37-year-old, renowned for his bruising tackles and powerful running, died at home in Nakasi, though the cause of death was not revealed.
Rabeni represented his country 30 times, playing at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups and also featured on the World Sevens Series and at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
The centre joined Leicester Tigers from New Zealand outfit Highlanders in 2004, though his career at Welford Road was plagued by injuries and, after a move to Gloucester collapsed, he signed for Leeds Carnegie in 2009.
“Seru Rabeni's passing is incredibly sad. What a player and a team man. Our support and best wishes go to his family,” 2003 World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson posted on his Twitter account.
Former All Black Joe Rokocoko, Casey Laulala, Johne Murphy and Matt Banahan were among those to offer their condolences.
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Seru Rabeni. Our thoughts go to all his friends and family pic.twitter.com/QN07b4bgUO
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) March 15, 2016
Seru Rabeni's passing is incredibly sad. What a player and a team man. Our support and best wishes go to his family.
— Jonny Wilkinson (@JonnyWilkinson) March 15, 2016
Sad to hear the passing of a great warrior on the field & humble as they come off if, R.i.P dreu #Rabeni #unclseru pic.twitter.com/grN0G3Oana
— Joe Rokocoko (@J_Rokocoko) March 15, 2016
So sad to wake up to the news of the passing of Seru Rabeni. Thoughts and prayers with his family. Rest in peace brother #tigersfamily
— Johne Murphy (@MurphyJohne) March 15, 2016
Shocked to hear of the death of Seru Rabeni... Great fella and incredible rugby player,m... #rip
— Ian Humphreys (@iHumph) March 15, 2016
Saddened to hear of the passing of Seru Rabeni today, our thoughts are with your family. #Highlander92 pic.twitter.com/iou9hONsrS
— The Highlanders (@Highlanders) March 15, 2016
