Former Flying Fijian hooker Jale Sassen, 31, was laid to rest at the Tuatua Cemetery, Labasa yesterday after he collapsed after a training session last week Thursday.
Sassen, a fireman by profession for the past nine years, had represented the Flying Fijians in their Northern Europe Tour in 2016 where he played against the Barbarians.
Originally from Nabukelevu Village, Kadavu, Sassen was brought up in Vunimono, Tailevu represented Fiji Warriors, Fiji Under-20 and had played provincial rugby representing Namosi, Suva and Tailevu.
Sassen was on his way to work when he collapsed at Lions Park after training at Subrail Park with the Macuata rugby team.
Mother, Setaita Sassen, 59, said Sassen loved rugby, the sport he picked up from his late father Apenisa Sassen who played for Rewa and Tailevu; father and son played hooker.
“My grandson is looking forward to following his father’s footsteps,” Sassen’s mum said.
“He was an ideal son. He always looked after the affairs of his family.”
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The family and National Fire Authority workmates of the late Flying Fijian hooker, Jale Sassen, at the Tuatua cemetery, Labasa, on March 13, 2024. Photo: Sampras Anand
Late Sassen’s wife, Adi Losalini said she received a call from his workplace informing her that her husband had collapsed and was taken to Labasa hospital.
Sassen was based at Nakasi before he was transferred to Labasa two weeks before he collapsed.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj
