15 October 2023 , 07:00
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Sam Matavesi has started for Fiji in all four of their World Cup matches and the Royal Navy Local Acting Leading Hand will be among those plotting to end England's World Cup dream.
The hooker is well known to the likes of Courtney Lawes and Alex Mitchell, who are his club team-mates at Northampton Saints. Matavesi is a regular for the outfit who have made the Premiership semi-finals in each of the past two seasons after rising through the English rugby pyramid.
It is his work away from the rugby pitch though that perhaps highlights his personal qualities. Matavesi has been part of the Royal Navy for years and last year was recognised with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in front of his Saints colleagues.
The 31-year-old when donning the Navy colours is stationed at RNAS Culdrose and has balanced that role with his rugby career, earning the UK Armed Forces Sportsman of the Year award in 2020. He was awarded his medal in October last year and Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson hailed the Fijian for carrying on the club's long tradition.
He said at the time: “We have a rich history with the Armed Forces at Northampton Saints which we are very proud of. The likes of Edgar Mobbs, Freddie Blakiston, Blair Swannell, and many more have all represented the Club and shown that they were heroes during their time in the Services as well.
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“Sam is our own modern-day hero, and to surprise him after training with the presentation of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in front of his wife, children, and the whole squad was very special. We wanted to all support Sam on a special day for him and his family.”
Sam Matavesi has receive huge praise for his work away from rugby (Northampton Saints RFC)Matavesi began his rugby career in the south west with Plymouth Albion having been born in Truro after his father's move from Fiji to England. From Plymouth he was signed by Cornish Pirates before a stunning loan move to France's most successful team, Toulouse. Saints then snapped up the international hooker and he's excelled at Franklin's Gardens.
Commodore Peter Coulson hailed the personal qualities possessed by Matavesi as he excels in both his roles. He said:“ Sport and adventurous training is really important for us; it is one of the ways we can test, condition and prepare ourselves for some of the tough things we have to do as part of our duty. So, it is important for those in the Services to have people like Sam to look up to. He embodies the ethos of the Services – commitment, courage, integrity – and embodies those things day in, day out for Saints, for Fiji and supporting the RNRU teams whenever he can.”
Matavesi has been part of the Fijian team that secured history with a first ever win over Australia in the pool stages. The Northampton star has also dealt England a defeat already this year having been part of the 30-22 victory in August - the country's first ever win at Twickenham.