Logs (SC) Sam Matavesi was this week presented with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal by Commodore Peter Coulson Royal Navy.
The 30-year-old Northampton Saints hooker and Fiji international balances playing professional rugby with a military career in the Royal Navy.
Able Seaman Matavesi’s stationing at RNAS Culdrose has already seen him feature in four of the annual Babcock Trophy clashes against the British Army at Twickenham, as well as earn the Cossack Sword award in 2018 and UK Armed Forces Sportsman of the Year award in 2019.
“We have a rich history with the Armed Forces at Northampton Saints which we are very proud of,” said Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“The likes of Edgar Mobbs, Freddie Blakiston, Blair Swannell, and many more have all represented the Club and shown that they were heroes during their time in the Services as well.”
Phil Dowson, Director of Rugby
“Sam is our own modern-day hero, and to surprise him after training with the presentation of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in front of his wife, children, and the whole squad was very special. We wanted to all support Sam on a special day for him and his family.”
Cdre Coulson RN was joined for the short ceremony at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens by Alan Church, the Royal Navy’s Sports Officer for Rugby Union, as well as Matavesi’s wife, Lily, and two children.
Cdre Coulson RN said: “It was a real pleasure for me to come to Franklin’s Gardens to present Sam with his Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
“On a personal level, I grew up close to the ground and came to my first Saints match as a four year old, so it was fantastic to return and meet the squad.
“With the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee earlier this year, acting Service men and women are all awarded a Medal which we are very proud to receive.
“This Medal is important because it signifies the choice to join up and serve, and it has been an honour to serve the Queen throughout her reign.”
Commodore Peter Coulson Royal Navy
“Sport and adventurous training is really important for us; it is one of the ways we can test, condition and prepare ourselves for some of the tough things we have to do as part of our duty.
“So, it is important for those in the Services to have people like Sam to look up to. He embodies the ethos of the Services – commitment, courage, integrity – and embodies those things day in, day out for Saints, for Fiji and supporting the RNRU teams whenever he can.
“We are very proud to call him one of our own.”
