Samoan player Faiva Tagatauli passes away after head injury

Former Samoa Under 20 flanker Faiva Tagatauli has passed away on Thursday morning following a head injury that he sustained while playing for his club last weekend.

The 27-year-old suffered the blow while representing Vaimoso Rugby Club during a Senior A competition in Tuana’imato and was replaced in the final 10 minutes of the fixture.

Just as he was receiving attention on the sidelines, Tagatauli felt unconscious and was rushed to the National Hospital where he has kept in the high dependency unit.

However, the efforts made to revive him went in vain as he eventually lost his life four days later.

Samoa Rugby Union CEO Faleomavaega Fepuleai expressed his condolences to everyone involved with Tagatauli.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Faiva’s wife Seutatia and their son, as well as their family at Fagamalo at this time.

"We also express our condolences to the Vaimoso Rugby Club, who have lost a popular teammate.

"We will do all possible within our means to offer them support in this difficult time.’

Recently, French rugby reported death of four youth players over the last eight months following head related injuries.