Rugby Union star, 30, who won Olympic silver medal, dies after being hit by train

Josaia Raisuqe, a star of the Fiji squad that won Olympic silver in Rugby at the Paris Games, has tragically passed away at the age of just 30 after being hit by a train.

While the exact details of Raisuqe's death have yet to be confirmed, it's reported that he was involved in a road accident when he was hit by a train at a level crossing on Thursday morning shortly before training.

Raisuqe's Castre team-mates have been released from training in the wake of his passing and their Top 14 match with Clermont Auvergne is likely to be postponed.

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A statement from Castres read: "It is with heavy hearts that we learned of the death this morning of our player Josaia Raisuqe in a road accident.

"The entire CO family is devastated by this terrible news. Josh had been a member of the club since 2021. He was a wonderful teammate, much loved by everyone, including the Castres supporters who had embraced him.

"We extend our sincere condolences and thoughts to his family and loved ones."

His former coach, Xavier Pemeja was among others who have paid tribute to the former Fiji sevens star, who won Silver at the 2024 Olympics in Paris along his team-mates.

Pemeja said: “It’s incredibly violent. Josaia was an absolutely adorable boy. He was always the first in training, whether it was raining, windy, or snowing.

“On the pitch, he was capable of incredible flashes of brilliance. He did us a of good when he arrived at the club. All his opponents feared him; he was a try-scoring machine.”

Top 14 leaders Toulouse also paid tribute to Raisuqe on social media after learning of his tragic passing. They wrote: “Toulouse were shocked to learn of the death of Josaia Raisuqe this morning in a road accident.

“The entire club wishes to express its support and sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and his club, Castres Olympique.”