Photo – Sam Matavesi, Richie Kevern & Joel Matavesi sporting the shirts for match
SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2015 AT CAMBORNE RFC
Sereli Matavesi suffered a life changing event in 2014; an operation to save his life caused him to be paralysed. He received treatment in Salisbury before moving to Marie Therese House in Hayle where he has undergone intense physiotherapy to aid his recovery.
He wanted to raise some funds for Marie Therese House and some other causes close to his heart.
Sereli said: “When I first talked about it with the boys we thought perhaps a bit of a kick about in the park and a collection with a bucket. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would grow into the size it has.”
He also went on to say: “A big heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors who have contributed to the event and Camborne RFC for hosting it. So many people have helped me with this journey and I am so grateful to them all.”
The fundraising day is Saturday 13 June at Camborne RFC, with a number of events will taking place. There are three rugby matches: Marie Therese House Staff v. Bawden’s select team; a Fijian Barbarians team v. Camborne Vets; and culminating in the Matavesi Select XV v. a Camborne Select XV, kicking off just after 3 pm.
The Matavesi Select XV will not only star the three sons, but ex-internationals and professional rugby players from around the world. Some of the stars scheduled to play include former England scrum-half Shaun Perry, former Redruth & Cornwall star Mark Bright, Sireli Naqelevuki, Pale Nonu, Tongan hooker Alex Lukui, Cornwall’s Ben Hilton, Jon Griffiths, Semesi Taulava who is currently playing in France, Josh Drauniniu, Heath Stevens and Dan Scarborough.
Photo – Joel & Sam Matavesi
There will be food (with former Cornish Pirate Vili Ma’asi doing the hog roast), drink available at the club including real ales, and the Boscastle Singers in attendance
Josh Matavesi, a Fijian international and current Ospreys player said: “The family really want to thank everyone involved with the treatment that dad has received and especially the staff at Marie Therese House, an awesome facility right here in our County.” He also paid gratitude to all the players who have agreed to turn up out of season to support the day.
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
| 1030 – 1200 | Mini Rugby Learning ZonesWith the players non-contact | Camborne School |
| 1200 – 1400 | Players talking with sponsors etc | Camborne RFC Lounge Bar |
| 1300 – 1400 | Camborne Vets v Fijian Barbarians | Camborne RFC Crane Park pitch |
| Half-time | Tag rugby, Marie Therese House staff v Bawden’s select | Camborne RFC Crane Park pitch |
| 1530 | Matavesi Select XV v Camborne Select XV | Camborne RFC main pitch |
| 1830 | Fundraising Auction | Camborne RFC Main Bar |
Following the games, a fundraising auction will take place in the Camborne RFC clubhouse, where rugby memorabilia including signed international, premiership, RaboDirect, French Top 14, local club shirts and many other items will be auctioned off. Special commemorative shirts have been designed for the main match and a signed shirt will also be auctioned on the night.
Sam Matavesi also a Fijian international who last season played for Plymouth Albion in the Greene King Championship said: “The generosity of people astounds me: donating signed international, premiership shirts and even in Cornwall the Cornish Pirates and Redruth have donated items for the auction.”
Photo – Richie Kevern with the special Camborne shirt for the game
So far over 1,000 tickets have been sold but there are still some 1,300 tickets available. Those wishing to attend are asked to purchase their tickets beforehand if possible, so that the organisers can judge the likely attendance.
The capacity has been limited to 2500 supporters and entry will be by ticket only which cost £5. Tickets are available via PayPal matavesixv@hotmail.co.uk and any remaining will be sold on the gate.
Monies raised will go mainly to Marie Therese House and other causes close to the family’s heart.
Sereli was a rugby player being a Fijian Barbarian and his 3 sons Josh, Sam and Joel have followed in his footsteps. Josh is a Fijian international, plays for the Ospreys in the RaboDirect Pro 12 League, Sam is also a Fijian international and plays for Plymouth Albion in the RFU Championship, whilst Joel the youngest brother also plays for Ospreys. The other connection that they all have is they have represented Cornwall but also their beloved Camborne RFC.
The youngest son Joel said: “I would ask as many people as possible to come along on the day and support my dad. There is something going on for everyone, food, rugby and good company so bring your wallet and enjoy the day and let’s make it a huge success.”
Anybody requiring any further information or wishes to support the day can do so by contacting Colin Hatch hatch0348@btinternet.com
Photos – Simon Bryant Iktis photo
