Fe'ao Latu, the Tongan rugby player who died suddenly in France on January 11 was laid to rest this afternoon at Punga Cemetery, Lakepa, Tongatapu.

Fe'ao's body, accompanied by his father Penisimani Latu, his wife Selesitiana and their son, Penisimani Latu Junior, and in-laws arrived at the Fua'amotu International Airport on an Air New Zealand flight around 8:00pm yesterday.

A member of the funeral party said that they left Perigueux on Sunday, January 25, travelling via Hong Kong and Auckland.

The funeral was held today at Fe'ao's family home, Uolevitova at Lakepa, and a service was held at the Lakepa Free Wesleyan Church before his burial at Punga Cemetery this afternoon.

Fe'ao (28) was a flanker for the Perigueux Rugby Club for three years. He collapsed during a game at Lucien Desprats stadium in Cahors, Southwest France two weeks ago.

He is survived by his wife and a baby son.