Sam Domoni: Sydney rugby community mourns loss of Fijian giant

Sydney’s rugby community is rallying behind the family of a former Waratah and Fijian international who has died at the age of 52.

The north shore rugby community is mourning the death of a former club stalwart and legend of the game whose long career on the field took him across the world.

Family, friends and former teammates have begun paying tributes to Sam Domoni who died in Fiji last week at the age of 52.

Domoni, a born and bred Fijian, had a long career in rugby union which saw him play not only for his home country but for clubs in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Sam Domoni, pictured here playing for Northern Suburbs against Randwick in 1998.

From the 1990s he was a familiar sight on suburban sporting fields in Sydney, competing in the first grade team for Northern Suburbs Rugby Football Club which has remembered him as one of the side’s most dynamic figures.

“While playing in the red and black of Norths Rugby, Sam’s physical presence was only matched by his positive, charismatic and friendly nature where he has forged many eternal friendships and memories,” a club spokesman said.

“His legacy extends beyond teammate to coach and mentor at several Shute Shield and provincial clubs as well as at representative and international levels.”

Domoni played as a lock or flanker.

Domino’s long career in the game included representing the NSW Waratahs and playing for the national Fiji team, competing at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

In his later years, he turned his skills to coaching including stints at Penrith and Manly before becoming the head coach of the Fijian side in 2010 and taking charge of the squad during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Northern Suburbs Rugby Football club chair Grahame O’Donnell said his ability on the field and 6’7 height was a force to be reckoned with.

“In many ways he was before his time – in those days forwards were meant to be tight but he had that Fijian athleticism and strength and was quite amazing in terms of how athletic he was,” Mr O’Donnell said.

“He had the ability with a ball in his hand to do anything.

Domoni also played for the NSW Waratahs.

“He was always jovial and always had the biggest smile on the field – that’s why what’s happened has really touched the rugby community and everyone who played with him.

“Often you can have a good footballer who doesn’t rub off on teammates but that wasn’t the case with Sam. He made a lot of great friends on the north shore.

“Off the field, he was so calm but when he got over the white line he caused so much destruction. He was a force to be reckoned with.”

Norths Rugby has launched a fundraiser to support his family including children Luisa, Sevaro and Sam Jr.

Funds will also help Sam’s daughter, who lives in Sydney, to be able to fly to Fiji to attend his funeral.

“It will ensure Luisa can fly to Fiji and represent her family at a fitting service to farewell our dear friend, where he will rest in peace alongside his beautiful wife Mary,” the club said.