Matavesi receives devastating news, in doubt for RWC quarter final match against England

As the Fiji Water Flying Fijians side is days away from their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter final clash against England, the team received saddening news as first-choice hooker Sam Matavesi’s father passed away.

Matavesi is the second member of the Flying Fijians team to have lost a loved one in 2 weeks while participating in this year’s Rugby World Cup and has flown out to England to be with his family in this time of sorrow.

Sam’s father, Sireli Matavesi, passed away last night with the team receiving the sad news this morning.

Sam’s brother Josh Matavesi also represented the Flying Fijians at the international level and last played for Fiji at the 2019 RWC.

As the team mourns with the Matavesi family, preparations continue for them as they look forward to the challenge ahead.

Sam will be in doubt for this quarter final match which could possibly see Swire Shipping Fijian Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere having his first start of the tournament and Drua teammate Zuriel Togiatama covering from the bench.

The Flying Fijians are expected to name their match day 23 squad tomorrow.

Fiji will take on England at 3am Monday in Marseille.

In other RWC quarter finals, Wales will play Argentina at 3am Sunday, Ireland will take on the All Blacks at 7am on Sunday and hosts France will play South Africa at 7am next Monday.