# @fijirugbyunion on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DK06faWsHZt
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/31555666-fijirugbyunion-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/70a78ca5d6.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-06-13T04:00:15.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Official Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugbyunion) — https://gondola.cc/fijirugbyunion

## Caption

Obituary: Moritikei Nabuta (1945–2025)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Moritikei Nabuta, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and Fijian rugby legend, who departed this life peacefully on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Redcliffe Hospital, aged 80.

A devoted husband to his late wife, Akisi Wasaliwa Nabuta, Moritikei shared 52 beautiful years of marriage with her before her passing. He leaves behind a cherished legacy through his loving children: Mr. and Mrs. Ilaitia and Titilia Nabuta, Viliame Nabuta, and Mereseini Kumu Naso Nabuta, along with his extended family and countless friends who adored him.

Moritikei was more than just a player—he was a trailblazer. As Flying Fijian #193, he made his test debut against Tonga in Nuku’alofa on July 8, 1967, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. A formidable prop, he proudly represented Fiji on multiple tours, including:

• 1967 – Fiji’s tour of Tonga
• 1968 – Facing the All Blacks in Fiji
• 1969 – Touring Australia, where his talent earned him a historic move to South Sydney Rabbitohs Rugby League Club alongside fellow Fijian legends Isoa Volavola and Asaeli Batibasaga.

His contributions to Fijian rugby extended beyond the field. As a founding member of the Brisbane Fijian Rugby community, he nurtured the sport for future generations, embodying the spirit of vanua (community) and loloma (love).

Moritikei will be remembered for his unshakable faith, boundless kindness, and dedication to his family and people. His home was always open, his heart always giving, and his presence a source of strength for all who knew him.

Though he has left this earthly life, his legacy lives on in the stories of his courage on the field, his devotion at home, and his enduring impact on Fijian rugby.

#fijirugby

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## Tags

193, fijirugby

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