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Siale Piutau has sister who lost fight against cancer in mind as he leads Tonga

Siale Piutau has sister who lost fight against cancer in mind as he leads Tonga

By Semi Turaga
22/09/2019

It will be one of the proudest moments of Siale Piutau's life when he leads out Tonga to play England at the Sapporo Dome tonight.

But the day will not be without sadness.

The 33‑year‑old lost his older sister Ema to stomach cancer earlier this year and she is never far from his thoughts.

Piutau says his sister watched him play in the other two World Cups he played in and he will be trying his best to honour her by playing well.

One of 10 children, Ema was a lawyer in Auckland. She was diagnosed just before her 38th birthday last November, and died in April.

Siale and his brother Charles, the former New Zealand international who played alongside him for the Bristol Bears, flew home for the funeral.

Piutau, with 39 caps, is the most experienced member of the Tonga squad.

Italy will play Namibia at 5.15pm, Ireland and Scotland face off at 7.45pm while England clash with Tonga at 10.15pm.

Source : Rugbyworldcup.com

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