GoFundMe created to support rugby icon Setefano Cakaunivalu and family after suspected heart attack

The rugby community has rallied behind one of their icons after he suffered a heart attack while walking back to his club house. A GoFundMe has been set up to support his cause.

Setefano Cakaunivalu playing for South Darwin in the Darwin Rugby Union competition.

The NT community has rallied behind beloved rugby icon and family man Setefano Cakaunivalu, who collapsed after suffering a suspected heart attack.

The 46-year-old former Fijian international player and coach played for his NT club South Darwin in the A-Grade competition against Casuarina at the Skyring Rugby Park on Friday night.

After the match while walking back to his clubhouse at Warren Park he collapsed from a suspected heart attack.

Fortunately, he was surrounded by members of the South Darwin community, including club president Tauraa Exham, who performed life saving CPR before emergency services arrived.

Cakaunivalu was taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition, with friends and family optimistic of his recovery.

Setefano Cakaunivalu of Fiji during the IRB World Sevens Series between Fiji and Canada held at Outeniqua Park Stadium in George, South Africa. Picture: Tertius Pickard / Gallo Images/Getty Images

Exham has since set up a GoFundMe page to help support the inspirational player who has played a huge role in boosting the game in the NT.

The fundraiser aims to support his family and help with travel and accommodation costs for members of his family travelling from Fiji to be with him.

“His dedication to the sport and to his family has inspired countless individuals, and now, we have the opportunity to rally behind him in his time of need,” Exham said.

“He’s still very unwell but we’re optimistic in terms of his overall prognosis at this stage, but we need to approach this with sensitivity.”

The GoFundMe surpassed $7000 of its initial $5000 target within three hours of going live and can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/hearts-united-for-sete-give-pray-and-support-his-family.

Exham said it showed how great the NT rugby community was and how much someone like Cakaunivalu meant having shaped the rugby landscape in the NT.

“I’m incredibly proud of how our community has come together, especially in the aftermath of Sete’s medical emergency,” he said.

“I’ve had calls from other clubs as soon as they became aware of the issue and it’s the really great thing about rugby union in general how we get around each other.

“We can be quite fierce opponents on the field, but when something like this happens it shows we’re one big family.”

NT Rugby and Rugby Australia officials are continuing to work with South Darwin in supporting Cakaunivalu and his family.

Originally published as GoFundMe created to support rugby icon Setefano Cakaunivalu and family after suspected heart attack