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Clifton Rugby Football Club History |
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Joe Naivalurua |
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One of a family of Fijian players killed while on active service in Northern Ireland. He started his rugby with Clifton Juniors and moved to Bristol Saracens and the Southmead Rugby Club. His brothers Rich, Rob and Pete all played for Clifton.
He joined the Royal Engineers in 1995. He completed his basic training and Combat Engineer Training before being posted to 21 Engineer Regiment in Osnabruck, Germany. He then returned to the Royal School of Mechanical Engineering, Chatham and completed his trade training as a Diesel Fitter. His final posting was to 51 (Airmobile) Squadron of 38 Engineer Regiment based in Ripon, North Yorks.
During his time in the Army he represented his Corps, The Royal Engineers, at rugby union and rugby league. A highlight was, when his Regimental Team won the Army Cup at Rugby League in 1999. With his usual modesty he was shocked after the match when he was awarded Players, Player of the Year.
He died on 6th April 2000 after an accident while searching the bulk carrier Diamond Bulker in Lough Foyle. County Londonderry.
The ship was travelling from Columbia, South America to Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Military Intelligence instigated a search by a specialised army search team, of which Joe was a member.
Above Joe Naivalurua