Matavesi presented surprise Battlefield Promotion ahead of Rugby World Cup

Royal Navy and Fijian International Sam Matavesi has received a Battlefield Promotion as he prepares for the Rugby Union World Cup in France next month. 

The 31-year-old hooker was caught by surprise as the Royal Navy made a surprise visit to the Flying Fijians training ground at the base of London Irish to announce his promotion to the rank of Local Acting Leading Hand.

Chair of the Royal Navy Rugby Union, Rear Admiral Steve Moorhouse, was on hand to present Matavesi with the new rank on behalf of the First Sea Lord in front of his Flying Fijian teammates. 

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Matavesi gave his reaction to the Fiji Rugby Union on his surprise promotion as he prepares for his second Rugby World Cup.

He said: “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.

“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. 

He made his international debut for Fiji in 2013 before going on to play at the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup in Japan.

He helped the Royal Navy win the Inter Services Championships, beating the Army at Twickenham to win the Babcock Trophy. 

Matavesi will play for Fiji in a World Cup warm-up fixture against England at Twickenham on 26 August, before facing Wales in their opening World Cup pool match on 10 September.