Joe Veitayaki was a big man with a big heart, and good sense of humor.
This was shared by retired Flying Fijians rep and Pacific Rugby Hall of Famer Seremaia Bai who paid tribute to Veitayaki on social media, sharing personal memories of their time together in the national team.
Veitayaki passed away yesterday.
Bai reflected on his time with the late prop when he made his debut with the Flying Fijians at 21 years old, saying that Veitayaki made sure he felt safe and welcomed among the senior members of the team.
Veitayaki made his debut for Fiji against the New Zealand Māori in Christchurch on 4th June 1994.
He played at the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Haereiti Hetet, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua prop and current FIJI Water Flying Fijians member, is the son of the late Veitayaki.
The funeral and service details will be shared once confirmed.
