Known as ‘Pito’, the ex-rugby player was a former coach of the Papeete-based AS Man Ura club and assistant coach of the Tahiti national team prior to his passing.
He was known as a generous and charismatic man and, despite his imposing frame of 2m and 120kg, was also very gentle and kind and was quick to put the needs of others before his own.
Before becoming involved in the round ball game, Pito starred at rugby for Manu Ura and the Tahiti national team. During the 1980s, he won many titles and his physical attributes caught the eye of several French clubs who tried to sign him.
But Pito did not want to leave his home in Paea and decided to turn his back on potential glory overseas and remain in Tahiti.
After his successful career in rugby came to an end, Pito took on a new challenge in football. But he was still steadfastly loyal to his club and became coach of AS Manu Ura, the football section of the outfit.
He ended up spending many years on the bench and resided over a dominant period in which Manu Ura picked up three championships (in 2007, 2008 and 2009) and a league and cup double in 2008, along with qualifying for the French Cup and O-League.
Pito also placed a big emphasis on youth development and brought a string of young players through the club’s ranks and into the first team.
He was appointed assistant coach of the Tahiti national team in June 2010 with the objective of helping the squad to the 2011 Pacific Games title.