THE stormy black skies over Sixways would, no doubt, have brought some stereotypically English moans and groans this week.

Sateki Tuipulotu, though, has a habit of enlightening lives whether it be on or off the field.

The effervescent full back was in philosophical mood a day after announcing his intention to leave Worcester Rugby Club.

Through those clouds of reflection, however, was the spirit which has shone like a beacon during his three-year stay. A period which has seen him etch his name into the very soul of the club.

"I'll miss everything about the place," he said. "Worcester has been my life for three years and I'll be very sad to leave. I've made my decision though. My family has to come first.

"There was a tear in my eye when I made my mind up because I've got so many friends here. The supporters, the people of Worcester have been so good to me and have always been friendly. I've always had a really good relationship with them."

Looking back on a year which has palpably been the most painful of his 30-year life, he cannot help but recognise that his priorities rest within his family. The loss of his mother Georgina last year hit him hard and he readily admits, the pain is still with him everyday.

"I'm still numb to be honest and when she passed away I should have taken more time out. I was very close to not coming back at all.

"Last summer was a terrible time because at the same time that my mum passed away, my dad had a heart attack and then major surgery.

"Family has to come first. You've only got one mother and one father and you have got to make the most of it because life is very short.

"I've got one parent left now and I want to make the most of it back home. The first thing I'll do when I get home is give him a big hug and spend as much time as possible with him.

"I actually came back to Worcester in August after he'd had his operation so, my head wasn't great. I still struggle with the death of my mother but I'm trying to get through it day by day.

"I knew things weren't right because I wasn't even motivated and it's all simply taken its toll."

To his enduring credit, he masks the pain with a laugh and a smile and despite only appearing 13 times this season, he remains the club's leading points scorer. His housemates - Scott Barrow, Dan Zaltzman and Christian Evans - have provided the support in their home dubbed 'Graceland', a fitting residence for the King of Worcester.

"My housemates have been my family away from home and they've helped me enormously in what's been such a difficult time. They have shown tremendous strength and courage and they've looked after me. I'll miss them desperately. They'll be a long way away but they've made a friend for a life and that goes a long way."

So many players sweep through Sixways' revolving doors each year it is an achievement to have lasted three seasons. A measure of that achievement is the extent to which he has attuned himself to the nuances of English rugby and his mature commitment to embracing England and its people. For a man whose native shores rest within the South Sea Islands, his ethos of audaces fortuna iuvat (fortune favours the bold) is a example to all.

But Tuipulotu has hardly been treading water. The Tongan has enjoyed outstanding success each year, smashing points records season on season.

He will leave without ever achieving his dream of promotion with Worcester. That fact, however, will not be allowed to muddy his memories.

"I have no regrets. It's a big disappointment of course but then, there is a reason for everything.

"I will go back home to Sydney and play until the 2003-2004 season. Then I will retire. It's where I started playing and it's where I'll finish. I'd like to go into coaching after that. I like a challenge and rugby has been a part of my life for a long time. You never know, one day I might be coach of Worcester!"

"I'd love to come back one day and fulfil my ambition. I'll leave here after not realising it and I desperately wanted to be part of history and be remembered."

There will be very few who will forget the big man. In a game so often clouded by uncertainty Tuipulotu has remained a constant force, illuminating lives with his towering ability.

That he did not eventually win promotion is of little consequence in the grand scheme of things.

Tuipulotu - the people's champion - was already elevated into their hearts.