Rugby fraternity mourns the passing away of Legend Taga
The Rugby fraternity in Fiji is mourning the passing away of one of their greatest sons, Flying Fijians and former captain Mosese Taga who passed away on Tuesday.
Taga, 57 died after a short illness at the Oceania Hospital Pte Ltd.
The former Flying Fijians captain was born on the 17th of September 1964 in Nailaga, Yalalevu. The former Flying Fijian represented Fiji as a hooker and a prop and earned himself 48 test caps including two Rugby World Cup in the 1987 and 1991 tournaments. His Fiji Rugby Test Cap number was 386.
He debuted with the Flying Fijians during the 1987 Rugby World Cup, in the match against New Zealand at Christchurch, on May 27, 1987. It was at that RWC that they created history by defeating Wales and qualifying for the quarter-finals.
He was also part of the 1991 Rugby World Cup roster, where he was the captain. His last international cap was during a match against Australia, at Sydney on September 18, 1998.
Taga was also a member of the Suva team that wrestled the coveted Farebrother-Sullivan trophy from Nadi in 1988 alongside Salacieli Naivilawasa, Usaia Daunivalu, Lai Tawake, Alifereti Dere, Nemani Matirewa, Esala Teleni, Pauliasi Tabulutu and Fotu Waqabaca.
During his rugby career, he has won the prestigious Farebrother Sullivan Trophy both as a player and coach for Suva. In 1993, he was a member of the Nabua Rugby Team that won the Escott Shield.
Fiji Rugby National Operations Manager Sale Sorovaki who was Taga’s captain during the historical win against Scotland in 1998 where they thumped the Scottish 51-26, at the ANZ Stadium said Taga was a role model to many of them and he set a standard for future players in regards of looking after two professions wholeheartedly.
“Mo as we called him, was a born leader, and he was the captain of the 1991 Fiji Rugby team to the Rugby World Cup,” said Sorovaki.
“He played with a lot of heart, even though he played at prop, he made sure he’d get the job done and improve at every game.
“When he made his debut in 1987, he never stopped committing himself to rugby, even though he had a steady job, he continued to attend training sessions for the national team and for his provincial team, Suva and also had time for his clubs QVSOB and Nabua. It’s sad that we have lost such a great personality” said Sorovaki.
“He was part of the 1998 Fiji team that thrashed Scotland 51-26 at the ANZ Stadium in Suva and has led the Suva team to many victories and that shows the leadership skills he had and that’s why I said that he was a born leader.
“He played for Suva and also coached the capital side to many victories and he has left a legacy behind.
He had a stable job that teaches players how important it is for a player to prioritize an opportunity given to them on and off the field.”
The former Bank of South Pacific employee attended Draiba Fijian School alongside the President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere who described him as a good friend. He completed his secondary school education at Queen Victoria School in Tailevu and featured for the Vulinitu side in the 1982 Deans Competition.
After hanging up his boots, Taga became a member of the National Selection Committee in 2009 alongside Ilivasi Tabua, Vuata Narisia and Dan Lobendahn.
In 2013 he was elected to the Fiji Rugby Union board and a member of the then FRU Games Committee.
The late Mr Taga is the father of Laisa Taga, who is a member of the current Fijiana 15s extended squad that is preparing for the 2021 Rugby World Cup to be held in NZ later this year.
The Late Mosese Taga’s homecoming service was held at the Wesley City Mission Church at Butt Street in Suva before he was laid to rest at the Lovonilase Cemetery.