Fijian rugby have lost a fourth member of their 2007 World Cup squad with the sudden death of former Highlanders prop Alefoso Yalayalatabua at the age of 43.
Media reports in the Pacific Islands say a minute's silence was observed in honour of Yalayalatabua prior to the start of the Fiji Rugby Union Annual General Meeting, which was held this weekend, after news of his death broke.
Fiji announced themselves on the World Cup stage back in 2007 with their thrilling 38-34 victory over Wales, in Nantes, that meant the Pacific Islanders progressed to a semi-final meeting with the Springboks in Marseille at the expense of Gareth Jenkins' side.
But since then the Flying Fijians have lost four members of their 2007 squad with the loss of loosehead prop Yalayalatabua this weekend joining Maleli Kunavore, Jone Railomo and Seru Rabeni, who have all sadly passed away.
Yalayalatabua was a late arrival to the international stage not making his debut until he was 30 when playing against Samoa in 2007.
The dynamic ball-carrier made one appearance at the World Cup later that year in Fiji's 55-12 loss to Australia in a Pool B clash.
He was part of the Fijian squad that toured Europe in the autumn of 2009 adding to his cap tally against Scotland at Murrayfield.
But his Test career was limited by his ties to the armed forces in Fiji that meant he was unable to play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The Naval Rugby Club front-rower played for the Highlanders and earned 10 caps in all before returning to his homeland and finishing his career with Suva rugby club.
