Patiliai Tuidraki (July 29, 1969 – September 26, 2002) was a dual international rugby union player. He represented both Fiji and Japan at an international level. He earned six caps for Fiji in 1994. Tuidraki joined the Toyota Motor Co. in 1995 making him their first foreign player.[1] Two years later he played for Japan and was a member of their 1999 Rugby World Cup squad.[2]

Patiliai Tuidraki
Date of birth(1969-07-29)July 29, 1969
Place of birthLautoka, Fiji
Date of deathSeptember 26, 2002(2002-09-26) (aged 33)
Place of deathNakavu, Fiji
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1995-2001 Toyota Verblitz ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1994
1997-2001
Fiji
Japan
6
19
(0)
(50)

In 2002 Tuidraki died of cardiac failure in Nakavu, Fiji.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Shuhei Nomura (13 August 2011). "RUGBY/ Fiji player's wife cherishes memories of Japan". Archived from the original on 16 April 2015. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  2. ^ "Japan: Kiwis from the East". BBC News. 17 September 1999. Retrieved 16 April 2015.
  3. ^ The Japan Times.co.jp (29 September 2002). "Ex-Japan player Tuidraki dies". Retrieved 16 April 2015.
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