Sam Matavesi has chosen to play for Fiji in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final with England despite the death of his father earlier this week.
The Northampton hooker returned to England earlier this week to be with family, but has since headed back to France.
The 31-year-old Royal Navy officer will be on the bench for Sunday’s last-eight clash, with Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui paying tribute to the front-rower.
“Sam came back in this morning, he was adamant he wanted to be here,” said Raiwalui.
“He’s a fantastic young man, very good on his details, so there are no worries there. It’s just a matter of him grieving but I have no doubt that he will be ready to play.”
Matavesi’s father’s death represents the second family tragedy to befall Fiji at the World Cup. Josua Tuisova’s son passed away last week after a long illness.
Fiji claimed their first-ever win over England with an impressive 30-22 victory at Twickenham on August 26.
Both sides have since progressed into the knockouts, but Fiji boss Raiwalui insists that warm-up clash from the summer will have on bearing on this last-eight battle now.
“It’s a different match, it’s a World Cup, a knockout match now, it’s win or go home,” said Raiwalui.
“Having played them, there’s an understanding of some of the things that they do. They have progressed since that match, playing well. It’s good that we had that chance to play them but it’s a totally different match.”
Fiji team to face England in Marseille
Starting XV: I Droasese; V Habosi, W Nayacalevu (capt), J Tuisova, S Radradra; V Botitu, F Lomani; E Mawi, T Ikanivere, L Tagi; I Nasilasila, A Tuisue, L Tagitagivalu, L Botia, V Mata.
Replacements: S Matavesi, P Ravai, M Doge, M Derenelagi, V Miramira, S Kuruvoli, I Masi, S Maqala.
