Fiji hit by second tragedy ahead of clash with England at the Rugby World Cup
More tragedy has struck the Fiji squad on the eve of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England.
Not long after it emerged centre Josua Tuisova would not travel home for the funeral of his seven-year-old son, hooker Sam Matavesi has now returned to England following the death of his father. Former Cornwall and Camborne player Sireli Matavesi died following an illness, and Northampton Saints star Sam has flown home to be with his family.
Fiji are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 2007 and face England after sealing a maiden win over the Red Rose earlier this summer. Reports have indicated Matavesi intends to return to France in time for Sunday's last-eight clash against Steve Borthwick's side.
READ MORE: Rugby World Cup star played hours after learning of death of son, 7, and will miss funeral
READ MORE: Portugal players break down in tears after winning first ever Rugby World Cup game
"It is with heavy hearts that the Fiji Rugby Union, the Flying Fijians team and head coach Simon Raiwalui share the news of our hooker Sam Matavesi and former Flying Fijian Josh [Sam's brother], who have lost their beloved father, the late Sireli Matavesi," read a statement by the Fiji Rugby Union.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Matavesi family during this incredibly difficult time. We keep Sam, Josh and their families in our thoughts and prayers."
Tevita Ikanivere has come off the bench to replace Matavesi in all four of Fiji's pool fixtures and will be the primary candidate to deputise in the No. 2 jersey should the player be deemed not ready to start. Raiwalui's men finished second in Pool C behind Wales, knocking Eddie Jones' Australia out of the running despite losing to Portugal in their most recent fixture.
Will Fiji surprise England to reach the World Cup semi-finals? Let us know in the comments section below.
Sireli Matavesi was a prominent figure in Cornish rugby, moving to south England after touring Britain with the Fiji Barbarians in 1985. He worked as a tin miner and became the first Fijian to represent Cornwall before starting the Matavesi dynasty of rugby stars.
“It’s a very tough moment…we need to stay together and care for one another,” said former Leicester Tiger and Fiji assistant Seremaia Bai. “For us in Fiji family is everything. If one suffers, we all emotionally suffer.
Sky Sports is bringing you 500 live football games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and more across eight dedicated channels. Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action this year.
£22 a month
“We are far away from Fiji. We have been 15 weeks from our own families since we started this campaign, so we have become very close and make sure that becomes our family.”
Fiji have qualified for the last seven editions of the World Cup but have racked up multiple wins at a tournament for the first time in 16 years. England rounded off their pool campaign with a surprisingly hard-fought one-point win over Samoa, but hooker Jamie George has insisted fans will see "a very different England team" in Marseille.
Source: Read Full Article
