One of Counties Manukau Rugby’s favourite sons Joeli Vidiri has passed away in the United States at the age of 48.
The hugely popular Vidiri enjoyed a stellar career on the wing with Counties Manukau, the Pukekohe club, the Blues Super Rugby franchise and with the All Blacks.
One of the finest Fijian-born players to play the game, Vidiri made his Steelers debut in 1994 and went on to play 71 games and scored 56 tries, helping the side make back-to-back NPC first division finals in 1996 and 1997.
In addition to that, Vidiri played 61 games for the Blues and two tests for the All Blacks.
He won a gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Sevens.
Counties Manukau deputy chairman and former team-mate of Joeli’s, Garry Millington, said the news was devastating.
“Joeli was a Counties man through and through. In his day he was an incredible player and it was a privilege to watch him and Jonah Lomu in action together,” Millington said.
“Off the field, he was a wonderful human and this is an incredibly sad day for Counties rugby.
“On behalf of everyone, we wish to send our condolences to his family and friends.”
Errol Brain, who captained Counties in the 1990s, said: “This is a real shock. Joeli was an absolute icon of our province. He was a total threat with the ball in hand and an incredible try-scorer. Off the field, he was top value with a great sense of humour and a good man. He was a special part of Counties rugby and always will be. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe’s family, kids and friends.”
The proud Fijian’s popularity reached such heights during his Super Rugby career that he even had his own song “Give Me Hope Joeli” sung to the tune of “Gimme Hope Jo’anna” by Eddie Grant.
Former Counties teammate, midfielder Tony Marsh said: “He was such a legend at creating something out of nothing. He was top class for us and could change the game in a second.
“He was one of the most underrated wings that played. We were so lucky to have both the double J’s on the wings (Joeli and Jonah). He was a freak of nature and will be very sadly missed.”
Recent Comments