Former Fiji sevens international Waisale Beci has died at the age of 39 following a short illness.
Nicknamed 'Jet Shoes' for his devastating pace, Beci burst onto the international stage in 2010 after rising to prominence playing local club rugby in Fiji. The pacy winger later represented the Fiji Barbarians and Fijian invitational sides in international sevens competitions, with his performances catching the eye of national team coach Iliesa Tanivula ahead of the 2010 World Sevens Series.
International debut and rapid rise
After being drafted into the national squad, he made his senior international debut during the Oceania leg of the series and went on to play back-to-back tournaments in Wellington and Las Vegas.
His devastating turn of pace saw him score four tries in his first ever international tournament, with a length-of-the-pitch score against South Africa among the most memorable.
Praise and domestic career
Beci's performances saw the then-23-year-old earn praise from World Rugby, who tipped him to become a new Fijian star on the global sevens stage.
Domestically, he played for the Police, one of Fiji's top sides, and starred as their first-choice winger and goal-kicker.
Coaching and tributes
After retiring from playing, Beci transitioned into coaching and later took up the role of head coach of the Draulu rugby sevens team. In the role, he helped to mentor unemployed youths and develop talent while giving athletes exposure to scouts through tournaments, such as the prestigious Nawaka Sevens.
Tributes have now been paid to Beci on social media following his death, with one post reading: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Waisele Beci."
Another read: "Thank you, Waisale, for your contribution to Fiji rugby and the memories you gave us. Your legacy will always be remembered. Moce mada, Waisale. Rest in peace."
A third wrote: "May his soul find eternal rest, and may his contributions to Fiji rugby forever be remembered."
