Former Samoa U20 flank Faiva Tagatauli has died after suffering a head injury while playing a club rugby game last weekend. 

The 27-year-old was playing for Vaimoso Rugby Club in a Senior A competition fixture. With 10 minutes remaining, Tagatauli indicated he wanted to be replaced and proceeded to leave the field unaided.

While receiving treatment on the sideline, he went into cardiac arrest and lost consciousness. The emergency services were immediately alerted, and upon their arrival, Tagatauli was revived and stabilised before he was transported to the National Hospital.

He was in the hospital’s high dependency unit for four days, but unfortunately did not recover and on Thursday morning he passed away.

Faleomavaega Fepuleai, Samoa Rugby Union CEO, has expressed his condolences to the player’s family, friends and teammates.

‘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.’

Photo: Samoa Rugby Union