'Ikale Tahi RWC manager, Sioape Tu'iono dies [1]
Wednesday, February 17, 2016 - 09:15. Updated on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 - 10:43.
The Manager of Tonga's 'Ikale Tahi Rugby World Cup team, Sioape Tu'iono (67) died suddenly last week.
Sioape, from Nukuhetulu on Tongatapu was a former Tupou College student, who loved rugby and had been a referee in Tonga. He assisted the Tonga Rugby Union with international tours of the 'Ikale Tahi over recent years. He managed the 'Ikale Tahi team to the Rugby World Cup and on its European Tour in 2015.
He was a Justice of the Peace. Sioape ran a bookshop and stationery business in Nuku'alofa before establishing the Airport Enterprises, a gift shop at the Fua'amotu International Airport.
Sioape's family said that he suffered a heart attack, and died at Vaiola Hospital on February 13. His funeral was held at Nukuhetulu.
He is survived by his wife Pauline and three children, Viliami, Mele and 'Alisi and 13 grandchildren.