The Samoan Federation announced Thursday the passing of Faiva Tagatauli, a former U20 international.
The 27-year-old had been hospitalized since last Saturday. He had a head injury in a local championship game.
The Flanker with less than 10 minutes from the end got to his feet and left the field unaided and wanted to be replaced.
In attendance to assist him in the sidelines was where he lost consciousness.
Horrible news from Samoa this morning. The SRU say ex-Sam U20 flanker Faiva Tagatauli has died in hospital four days after suffering a suspected head injury in a club game.
— Jamie Lyall (@JLyall93) January 24, 2019
Tagatauli “left the field unaided and wanted to be replaced” but “lost consciousness” on the sideline.
The emergency service was alerted immediately to revive and stabilise before the Ambulance transported him to the National Hospital.
Faiva is believed to fell into cardiac and has spent four days in the High Dependency Unit fighting for his life.
Samoa Rugby Union CEO, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, expressed his deepest condolences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Faiva’s wife Seutatia, and their son as well as their family at Fagamalo at this time,” he said.
“We also express our condolences to the Vaimoso Rugby Club who have lost a popular team mate.
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“We will do all possible within our means to offer the support in this difficult time. The Union prioritises and recognises the importance of player welfare.”
“We work closely with the Rugby Players Associations and World Rugby to ensure training and awareness programs are rolled out through match officials, coaches and administrators.”
Faiva Tagatauli played for Samoa’s Under 20 in 2011 under coach Soifua John Schuster. The team went on to win the Junior World Trophy in Georgia. He also played in the Super 9 tournament.