Sireli Matavesi: Former Cornwall player and father of Fiji internationals dies
- Published
Sireli Matavesi became a popular figure in Cornish rugby union after moving to the county in 1985
Sireli Matavesi, the father of Fiji and Northampton hooker Sam Matavesi, has died after illness.
Matavesi played rugby for Cornwall and Camborne after staying in the county following a rugby tour to the UK in 1985 and worked as a miner.
His other sons, Joel and Josh, both played rugby union to a high level with Josh also playing for Fiji as well as Newcastle, Ospreys and Racing Metro.
Sam Matavesi is currently part of Fiji's World Cup squad.
Fiji are due to play England in the quarter-finals in Marseille on Sunday.
Josh Matavesi returned to Cornwall this summer to re-join Camborne after his career around Europe.
"Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Matavesi family during this incredibly difficult time," Fiji Rugby Union posted on social media.