Josua Tuisova

Josua Tuisova Ratulevu (born 4 February 1994) is a Fijian rugby union player. A wing or centre, he currently plays for Racing 92 in France's Top 14.[1] He won a gold medal in sevens as part of the Fiji team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Known for his strong running and physical play, he is nicknamed "Human Bulldozer" and "The Bus".

Josua Tuisova
Tuisova in April 2017
Full nameJosua Tuisova Ratulevu
Date of birth (1994-02-04) 4 February 1994
Place of birthVotua, Ba, Fiji
Height1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight113 kg (17 st 11 lb; 249 lb)
SchoolRatu Navula College
Notable relative(s)Pio Tuwai (brother)
Filipo Nakosi (half-brother)
ChildrenTito Tuisova (deceased)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing, Centre, Number 8
Current team Racing 92
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013–2019
2019–2023
2023–		 Toulon
Lyon
Racing 92		 122
72
0		 (285)
(130)
(0)
Correct as of 22 June 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017– Fiji 19 (40)
Correct as of 1 October 2022
National sevens team(s)
Years Team Comps
2013– Fiji
Medal record
Men's rugby sevens
Representing  Fiji
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place2016 Rio de JaneiroTeam competition

Career

He began his career in Fiji playing sevens for Westfield Barbarians, captained by his older brother and ex-Fiji sevens player, Pio Tuwai. He made his international sevens debut for Fiji in the 2013 Wellington Sevens[2] against Scotland at rover.[3]

In July 2013, he was signed by French Top 14 club RC Toulonnais (Toulon).[4] He made his debut against Racing Métro 92 in August, and scored his first try against Bayonne.[5] In May 2015, he signed a four-year deal to stay at Toulon.[6]

Josua Tuisova in 2015

He was included in Fiji's squad for the 2023 World Cup in France. And played on until Fiji's exit in the quarterfinals, despite tragedy striking him during the pool stage when his son died.

Personal life

On 30 September 2023, Tuisova's seven year old son Tito died after a long illness hours before he was to partake in Fiji's 2023 World Cup match against Georgia.[7] Despite this, Tuisova decided to continue playing on and missed his son's funeral.[8]

Honours

References
  1. "Josua Tuisova Profile". Itsrugby.fr. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
  2. "Only the best: Tuisova". Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  3. "Bad start for Tuisova – Fiji Times Online". Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  4. "From Ba to Toulon – Fijisun.com.fj". Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  5. "Toulon return to top, Williams yellow-carded on debut". Retrieved 2 January 2014.
  6. "The curious case of Napolioni Nalaga". Planet Rugby. 27 May 2015. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 28 May 2015.
  7. "Fiji's Josua Tuisova missed young son's funeral to ensure country's World Cup quarter-final dream".
  8. "Fiji pay tribute to strength and sacrifice of grieving Josua Tuisova".


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