Sam Matavesi, the hooker for the Flying Fijians at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, emphasized the importance of representing Fiji regardless of the match’s significance, whether it be a quarterfinal or a game against Georgia in a remote location. In a recent social media statement, Matavesi expressed, “It’s about wearing the white jersey and representing our country and its people.”
He pointed out that the players have never requested excessive payments, only seeking to be compensated fairly and on time, as previously agreed. “We had an increase that the senior players in 2019 fought hard for, and another increase in 2023, which was a result of the senior players’ dedication,” he added.
Matavesi recounted the serious step the players had to take, indicating to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) that they were prepared to strike during a World Cup quarterfinal to ensure they received their rightful payments. He noted, “The FRU needs a serious change; imagine a board that genuinely supported both the players and management with a shared goal of winning.”
Reflecting on his experiences with Fiji Rugby, Matavesi remarked that these issues have become a persistent challenge in every camp. He credited fellow players, including Wyse, Semi, and Bots, for their efforts in striving for better conditions, stating, “Without them, we would only tap into a small fraction of our potential, and more importantly, the potential of players representing Fiji in the future.”
He concluded with a call for change, asserting, “Something needs to change.”