Ex-Fijian and explosive Kandy Sports Club (SC) centre three quarter Bati Penia, who dazzled Sri Lankan rugby fans on these shores over three decades ago, died on Wednesday (16) in his native country. His cause of death was unknown.

He was predominantly known for his prowess in Sevens Rugby for his native country and subsequently, his undoubted talent in the code saw him turning out for the Sri Lanka National Sevens Team in 1992.

Being a Fijian, he switched allegiance temporarily, representing Sri Lanka President’s Sevens Team at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.

He joined the Kandy SC in the same year and played alongside fellow compatriots such as dynamic loose forward Kitione Ratudrada, Willie Satala, and local stars of the calibre of L.V. Ekanayake, Priyantha Ekanayake, Imthi Marikar, Shah Dole, Maurice Joachim, and the late Rizwie Suhayb.

Bati Penia’s versatility in the backline helped Kandy SC to win a spate of tournaments, including Caltex Premier League Inter-Club Rugby Championship and the Clifford Cup Knockouts as he burnt the local rugby fields with his mesmeric performances.

 (JK)