Sam Matavesi, the hooker for the Flying Fijians, expressed that the team’s primary goal is to represent their country proudly, whether at a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal or in a match against Georgia in Spain. In a recent social media post, Matavesi emphasized the significance of wearing the national jersey and standing for their people.
He pointed out that the players have never asked for extravagant salaries, only fair compensation that reflects the current global standards. Matavesi highlighted the efforts of senior players, who fought for pay increases in both 2019 and 2023, asserting that their aim has always been to receive agreed-upon payments on time.
Matavesi shared that the players had to threaten a strike during a critical quarterfinal match to convey the urgency of their situation regarding payment. He called for substantial changes within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), suggesting that a supportive board could elevate the team’s performance and help achieve their collective goal of winning.
Having been with the team for some time, he noted that the current challenges have become a persistent issue in every training camp. Matavesi acknowledged the contributions of teammates like Wyse, Semi, and Bots in pushing for better conditions, stating that without their dedication, the team’s potential would continue to be underutilized, affecting not just short-term performance but the development of players over the next decade. He concluded by stressing the need for change within the organization.