Sam Matavesi, the hooker for the Flying Fijians at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, emphasized the players’ desire to proudly wear their national jersey, whether competing in a quarterfinal match or facing Georgia in a remote part of Spain. In a recent social media update, Matavesi expressed that the essence of their commitment lies in representing Fiji and its people.
He highlighted that the team has never demanded excessive financial compensation, but rather seeks fair pay that reflects the current global standards. “In 2019, senior players advocated vigorously for a pay increase, and we saw another rise in 2023, thanks to their efforts,” he noted. Matavesi pointed out that their primary request has always been timely payment according to the existing agreements.
He expressed concern over the need to indicate to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) the seriousness of the players’ situation regarding potential strikes during crucial matches, highlighting the lengths they must go to merely to secure their rightful wages. “The FRU requires significant reform. Imagine a board that genuinely supports the players and management with a unified goal of victory,” he stated.
Reflecting on his experiences with the national team, Matavesi lamented that such challenges have regrettably become the norm in their preparations. He acknowledged the contributions of players like Wyse, Semi, and Bots, stressing that without their advocacy, the team would not fully realize its potential, now or in the future. “It is imperative that change occurs,” he concluded.