News

The Counties Manukau rugby community is tonight mourning the passing of iconic winger Joeli Vidiri. The 48-year-old try-scoring sensation passed away today in America. 

Born in Fiji, Joeli came to New Zealand in 1994 when he was recruited to play for Pukekohe. He went on to play for 71 games for Counties, scoring 56 tries. He played 61 matches for the Blues, scoring 43 tries, and two tests for the All Blacks. He also played for the New Zealand Barbarians, New Zealand A, Auckland and Barbarian FC, and he represented Fiji in both 15s and Sevens.

Joeli was also part of the 1998 gold-medal-winning New Zealand Sevens side at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Against the Bulls in 2000, he scored four tries to set the record for the most tries scored by a player in a Super Rugby game. This record was only broken last year by the late Sean Wainui.

Counties Manukau deputy chairman and former team-mate of Joeli’s, Garry Millington, said the news was devastating.

“Joeli was a Counties man through and through. In his day he was an incredible player and it was a privilege to watch him and Jonah Lomu in action together,” Millington said.

“Off the field, he was a wonderful human and this is an incredibly sad day for Counties rugby.

“On behalf of everyone, we wish to send our condolences to his family and friends.”

Errol Brain, who captained Counties in the 1990s, said: “This is a real shock. Joeli was an absolute icon of our province. He was a total threat with the ball in hand and an incredible try-scorer.  Off the field, he was top value with a great sense of humour and a good man.  He was a special part of Counties rugby and always will be. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe’s family, kids and friends.” 

The proud Fijian’s popularity reached such heights during his Super Rugby career that he even had his own song “Give Me Hope Joeli” sung to the tune of “Gimme Hope Jo’anna” by Eddie Grant.

Former Counties teammate, midfielder Tony Marsh said: “He was such a legend at creating something out of nothing. He was top class for us and could change the game in a second.

“He was one of the most underrated wings that played. We were so lucky to have both the double J’s on the wings (Joeli and Jonah). He was a freak of nature and will be very sadly missed.”

Rest in love, Joeli.