Sam Matavesi, the hooker for the Flying Fijians competing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, emphasized the significance of representing Fiji, regardless of the match’s stakes, whether it be a quarterfinal at the World Cup or a game against Georgia in an obscure location in Spain.
In a recent social media update, Matavesi expressed that the team’s main focus is on wearing the national jersey and honoring their country and its people.
He remarked that the players have never demanded excessive salaries and only seek to be compensated fairly and on time, reflecting the realities of today’s world. Matavesi pointed out that there was a pay increase achieved through the efforts of senior players in both 2019 and 2023.
He noted that they have only asked to be paid what was promised when contracts were signed. The disappointing situation forced the players to communicate to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) their seriousness about potentially striking during a World Cup quarterfinal just to receive the payments they were owed.
Matavesi called for significant changes within the FRU, suggesting a need for a board that supports both players and management with a unified goal of achieving victory.
Having been involved with the Fijian team for some time, he reflected on how such issues have become a recurring theme in every camp, describing it as a frustrating norm.
He acknowledged the contributions of players like Wyse, Semi, Bots, and others in advocating for improvements, highlighting the potential of Fijian players both now and in the future.
“There needs to be a shift,” Matavesi concluded.