The Matavesi brothers of Mualevu village, Vanuabalavu are super excited and proud that they’ve both made it in the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians squad for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The side was announced earlier today by Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer, John O’Connor.

Joshua Matavesi, the elder of the two brothers is a utility player while Samuel is one of three hookers named in the squad.

On Instagram, Joshua thanked his wife Anna for taking time out to be with him over the past few weeks.

View this post on Instagram

Super excited and proud that we both made the Fiji World Cup squad @sammatavesi . Thanks to @anna_matavesi_ for travelling half way round the globe with our 2 young girlies so we can spend time together in this beautiful paradise 🇫🇯 it may have been short but it’s better then 4 1/2 months away from you 3 ❤ Thank you to everyone for the kind messages. Now onto the Rugby World Cup in Japan 2019.

A post shared by Josh Matavesi (@josh_matavesi) on Aug 15, 2019 at 6:18pm PDT

Head Coach John McKee said the squad, captained by Dominiko Waqaniburotu, has an opportunity to do something special for Fiji and is challenging the players to step up their intensity and commitment to make a real impact in Japan.

The Flying Fijians Rugby World Cup squad are:

Forwards:
Loose-Head Props
Campese Ma’afu
Eroni Mawi
Peni Ravai

Hooker
Mesulame Dolokoto
Samuel Matavesi
Ratu Vere Vugakoto

Tight-Head Prop
Lee-Roy Atalifo
Manasa Saulo
Kalivati Tawake

Locks
Tevita Cavubati
Leone Nakarawa
Api Ratuniyarawa
Tevita Ratuva

Loose Forwards
Semi Kunatani
Viliame Mata
Mosese Voka
Dominiko Waqaniburotu
Peceli Yato

Backs:
Halfbacks
Frank Lomani
Nikola Matawalu
Henry Seniloli

Inside Backs
Levani Botia
Jale Vatubua
Ben Volavola

Outside Backs
Vereniki Goneva
Filipo Nakosi
Waisea Nayacalevu
Semi Radradra
Josua Tuisova

Utility Backs
Joshua Matavesi
Alivereti Veitokani

Fullback
Kini Murimurivalu

Rugby World Cup 2019 – Flying Fijians Matches

Fiji vs Australia (4.45PM, 21st September, Sapporo Drome, Sapporo, Japan)
Fiji vs Uruguay (5.15PM, 25th September, Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Iwate Prefecture, Kamaishi City)
Fiji vs Georgia (5.15PM, 3rd October, Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka Prefecture, Higashiosaka City)
Fiji vs Wales (9th October, Oita Stadium, Oita Prefecture)