Former South African rugby union player and legendary Rugby Rovigo coach of the 1988 and 1990 championships have died on 23rd of July 2021 at the age of 65 after a long struggle with Covid 19 at Johannesburg hospital in South Africa.
Tito Lupini was born on October 12, 1955, in Johannesburg, South Africa to Italian parents, he was captain of the 1988 championship and coach-player of the title 1990 after which he served as a technical team for a few seasons before returning to South Africa where his family had emigrated many years before. He lived the better part of his life in Johannesburg and represented Transvaal in 60 matches in the eighties.
Tito had scored 123 appearances with two Scudetti won in 1988 (in the double role of player-coach) and in 1990. Eleven caps with the team’s shirt Italian national team, with whom they played the first World Cup in 1987.
Tributes To Tito Lupini
Across social media users’ timelines are statements that show respect, admiration, and gratitude towards Lupini as people mourn the passing.
Just heard of the passing of my late team mate and skipper Tito Lupini from Covid. A rock of a man, tough on the field and gentle and fun off it. Devastated. Deepest sympathy to Rowe and the family. When will this end?
— John Robbie (@John_C_Robbie) July 23, 2021
The Lions mourn the passing of Tito Lupini, former Lions frontrower & coach.
Lupini represented Transvaal in 60 matches in the eighties. In 1993 he, Kitch Christie & Ray Mordt coached the Lions team that win the Currie Cup.
Our thoughts are with his family during this time. pic.twitter.com/550mrSywI3
— Sigma Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) July 23, 2021
Tito Lupini passed away, certainly a very sad day😢Hard as nails as a player, a gentleman off the field. Mooi loop my vriend, tot ons weer ontmoet🙏🙏
— Kobus Wiese (@4KobusWiese) July 23, 2021