Matavao's International Rugby Career with Samoa
Matavao has established himself as a versatile and impactful presence in Samoan rugby, transitioning from a promising youth prospect to a key figure in both the 15-a-side and Sevens formats of the game. His journey through the international ranks demonstrates a steady climb through the competitive tiers of global rugby.
Early Career and Development
Matavao's ascent began in 2015 when he was selected for the Samoan Under 20 side to compete in the U20 World Championship held in Italy. This early exposure to elite international competition set the stage for his progression into senior rugby. By 2016, his development continued with a selection for Samoa A, the national second-tier team used to bridge the gap between youth and full international honors.
Rise to the National Team
The year 2017 marked a significant milestone in Matavao's career when he earned his first selection for the Samoan national team. He made his official test debut in a match against Scotland in Edinburgh.
Following his debut, Matavao became a regular contributor to the squad. He represented Samoa in the 2018 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup, a tournament featuring top teams from the Pacific region. He played a pivotal role in ensuring Samoa's presence on the world stage, proving decisive during the qualification process for the 2019 Rugby World Cup by scoring two tries in a qualifier against Germany.
Transition to Rugby Sevens
In February 2019, Matavao expanded his repertoire by being selected for the Samoa Sevens team. Rugby Sevens is a faster, shorter version of the game played with seven players per side instead of fifteen. Despite this new focus, he remained a priority for the 15s game and was named to the squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Following the World Cup, Matavao dedicated his efforts to the 2020 world sevens series. His commitment to the shorter format culminated in his selection for the Samoan squad at the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens held in Cape Town.
Key Facts
- International Debut: 2017 against Scotland in Edinburgh.
- World Cup Impact: Scored two tries against Germany to help Samoa qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
- Versatility: Competed at the highest level in both 15-a-side rugby and Rugby Sevens.
- Major Tournaments: Participated in the U20 World Championship (2015), Pacific Nations Cup (2018), and Rugby World Cup Sevens (2022).
| Year | Team/Tournament | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Samoan Under 20 | U20 World Championship in Italy |
| 2016 | Samoa A | Selection for national second-tier side |
| 2017 | Samoan National Team | Test debut against Scotland |
| 2018 | Samoan National Team | World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup |
| 2019 | Samoan National Team / Sevens | RWC Qualification (2 tries vs Germany) and Sevens debut |
| 2020 | Samoa Sevens | World Sevens Series |
| 2022 | Samoa Sevens | Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Matavao make his international debut?
Matavao made his debut for the Samoan national team in 2017 during a test match against Scotland in Edinburgh.
How did Matavao contribute to the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification?
He was decisive in the qualification process by scoring two tries in a qualifying match against Germany.
Has Matavao played both 15s and Sevens rugby?
Yes, he has represented Samoa in the traditional 15-a-side format, including the Rugby World Cup, and in the Sevens format, including the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Which youth tournament did Matavao participate in?
In 2015, Matavao was selected for the Samoan Under 20 side for the U20 World Championship held in Italy.
Where was the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens held?
The 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens, for which Matavao was selected, took place in Cape Town.