When he is not tearing up the Premiership with Northampton Saints, Fijian international hooker Sam Matavesi is apart of the Royal Navy. Matavesi recently received an ‘unexpected’ Battlefield Promotion, whilst in camp with Fiji, ahead of this Saturday clash with England at Twickenham Stadium.
Matavesi has been bestowed with the promotion to the rank of Local Acting Leading Hand. The 31-year-old was caught by surprise, when Chair of the Royal Navy Rugby Union, Rear Admiral Steve Moorhouse presented Matavesi with the new rank, on behalf of the First Sea Lord.
Matavesi received his new rank in front of his Flying Fijian teammates, at their Rugby World Cup training ground, which was formally occupied by London Irish. Matavesi discussed the surprise honour with the Fiji Rugby website, and British military outlet Forces.net.
“When I joined the Royal Navy I had given up on playing rugby professionally and focused on a career and some stability for a young family.” Matavesi said.
“It’s crazy that a few years on and I’m about to go to my second Rugby World Cup, how things have changed.
“I thank my beautiful family, friends, and people who have helped and encouraged me in the Royal Navy and gone above and beyond.”
RADM Moorhouse added: “Exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment, and outstanding leadership displayed by Matavesi both on and off the field have earned him this incredible recognition from the Royal Navy.
“The promotion to Local Acting Leading Hand is an ambassadorial role to recognise the status the Royal Navy holds Sam in, and cherish the support and commitment Sam shows to the Royal Navy.”
Matavesi’s promotion comes after he was awarded the Platinum Jubilee Medal in another surprise ceremony last year. The hooker will be making his return to Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, after last running out at ‘HQ’ for the Royal Navy, in their historic victory over the Army, to seal the 2023 Inter-Services Championship.
Matavesi will start in the number two jersey for Fiji this weekend, and build upon their recent 2023 Pacific Nations Cup triumph with an upset victory over Steve Borthwick’s side. Fiji are definite contenders to progress out of Pool C in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as they take on the Wallabies, Wales, Georgia and Portugal in the upcoming competition.