Rugby World Cup: Fiji star misses funeral of young son ahead of expected England clash
Fiji star Josua Tuisova has missed the funeral of his young son Tito
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Fiji star Josua Tuisova is set to play on at the Rugby World Cup despite the tragic death of his seven-year-old son, Tito.
The 29-year-old learned of the tragedy last Saturday, just hours before his side beat Georgia 17-12 in Bordeaux.
Fiji Village claim the ball carrier won't be returning home from the tournament in France.
He has instead opted to miss his son's funeral on Tuesday to stay as he looks to inspire his side to World Cup glory.
Josua Tuisova has been a key player for Fiji at the tournament so far
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Fiji are on the cusp of making the knockout stages of the competition for only the third time in their entire history.
They're expected to play England in the last eight, with Steve Borthwick's side winning all of their matches at the tournament so far.
Fiji need just a point against Portugal in their final Pool C clash to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Tuisova played 79 minutes last weekend despite learning of the death of his son.
Fiji came from 9-0 down to claim victory, with the 29-year-old also receiving a yellow card late on.
A statement confirmed the drath of Tuisova's son on Friday.
It read: "With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Tito Micgabraph Donzel Ratulevu.
"He is the son of Mr Josua Tuisova and Mrs Katarina Ladoge Ramoce.
"Affectionately known as 'Tito' he peacefully departed after a prolonged battle with a debilitating illness in Lautoka hospital."
The funeral service was live streamed and held at the Votua Catholic Church in Ba.
Fiji have won two of their three games at the Rugby World Cup so far.
They lost 32-26 to Wales on matchday one, spurning a glorious late chance to peg back one of the favourites for the trophy.
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Fiji are expected to face England in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup
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Fiji then bounced back by beating Australia, with Tuisova playing a starring role.
And Fiji were far too strong for Georgia last time out, securing a 17-12 victory to boost their hopes of progressing.