Death of talented Vuki shocks Poverty Bay rugby fraternity

ON ATTACK: Poverty Bay back Isaia Vuki takes the ball to the Wairarapa Bush line, with Bay halfback Willy Grogan in support. Vuki died suddenly in Fiji on Sunday.Picture by Paul Rickard

RUGBY

MEMBERS of the Poverty Bay rugby fraternity have been shocked by the sudden death of Isaia Vuki, who died in Nadi, Fiji, at 2am on Sunday.

“I still can’t believe it; it’s such a shock and obviously our hearts go out to Isaia’s family,” said former Bay Heartland coach Mutu Ngarimu, now living in Hawke’s Bay.

“I first saw Izzy, with a view to making him one of four loan players for the 2016 season, when I went over to watch a club match in the Bay of Plenty,” Ngarimu said.

“From the moment I watched him, I knew he would be a good player for us.

“He could kick well, run and tackle.

“I wanted him as a 10 but he could cover any position in the backline.”

Ngarimu said that Vuki, who had connections to the Whakatane Marist, Waitemata, Kelston and Gisborne communities, looked older than 24 and was at times quite serious, “but he was a joker”.

“Every? time we played away from Gisborne, friends of his would turn up to support him.

“He settled in from the time he first joined up with the boys (against Wairarapa Bush in a pre-season game) and I know I speak for everyone who was invoved with Isaia — coaches, management, players and union — when I say he will be missed.

“I can’t believe it; it’s tragic. He was too young to pass away.”

Ngarimu’s assistant coach and current assistant coach Dwayne Russell echoed many of Ngarimu’s sentiments.

'We're all in shock'“We’re all in shock,” Russell said.

“I found out when James (Grogan, who played alongside Vuki in 2016 and led the team last year) got in touch.

“James saw it on social media but it didn’t sink in until it was confirmed.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to is still reeling from the loss.

“He wasn’t just a brilliant rugby player, he was a team man whose infectious smile and always-happy demeanour will be sorely missed by all those he played with.”

“It must be traumatic for his family; our hearts go out to them.”

Vuki was named the Bay’s best back in 2016.

“He was our top points-scorer but his ferocious tackling was also a feature, as well as his kicking and running ability.

“Rest easy Izzy. We will remember you.”