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Once again an excellent tournament showing the best of the best, (and in some cases the worst of the worst!), and one that was enjoyed by all. The rain held off for the most part and the fire engine was a big hit with the kids!
Joe
Naivalurua
As a young boy Joe Naivalurua followed
his brothers Rich, Rob and Pete, to Clifton Rugby Club, then spent a short spell
at Saracens next door, before moving up to his local club Southmead where his
brother Rob then played.
Joe joined the Royal Engineers in
1995, following in the footsteps of his father Kelly who served 22 years in the
Royal Artillery and his elder brother Rich who is still serving in the Royal
Electrical & Mechanical Engineers. 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.
Joe died in the early hours of the 6th of April 2000 aged 24, while serving in Northern Ireland as a member of a Royal Engineer Search Team, searching
for arms on board a ship. His Team Leader
Corporal Jez Gaulder, a gallant man, also died while going to the aid of Joe and
another young soldier.
Joe was a great team mate. He was ferocious on the field, but a true sportsman and gentleman when off the field of play. Joe had impeccable manners, he was a compassionate man, unswervingly loyal, a man with moral fibre. He was always smiling, would always find time to talk and never forgot a friend. A great loss to his many friends and loving family.
Richard Naivalurua