Championing the Hopes of Local Players

Melani Matavao is one of the success stories of local rugby, and he is hoping his example will inspire more local rugby players to aspire to reach the heights that he has achieved in his career, from playing first XV rugby for Nuuausala College and St Joseph’s College, to making his name on the domes- tic scene for Vaiala, A’ana Chiefs and Marist. It was his talents as a playmaking halfback with an impressive running game that saw him selected to represent Samoa U20 in 2015, then Samoa A in 2016, before making his debut for Manu Samoa against Scotland in 2017.

He got his first taste of overseas rugby when he signed with Otago for New Zealand’s NPC competition in 2018, under World Rugby’s Pacific Combine scheme.

In 2018, he scored two crucial tries against Germany to help Manu Samoa qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Matavao made his debut for the Manu Samoa Sevens team in 2019 and played in the 2019-2020 World Sevens Series following the Rugby 15s World Cup.

He also played in the 2022 Rugby Sevens World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa and Commonwealth Games.

Born to Ieru and Akenese Matavao as the second eldest of six children, and hailing from the villages of Fasitoo uta, Laulii. Saaga Siumu, Afega, Vaimoso, Melani is married to Tafaeafe Faalala Jess Schuster and they share a two year-old son.

Melani wants to see more locals playing at the highest levels for Manu Samoa and Manu Samoa Sevens and believes there’s enough talent on island to achieve this. “There is a lot of talented young players out there and we need to bring out that talent,” he says.

He has some words of advice for aspiring players. “Believe in yourself and set high goals,” he says.

“I made it to National University, but I decided to take Rugby as my Career Path as one of my passions.” Family and humility are also important for him. “Coming from a humble family, be honest with yourself with a humble heart. Finau and keep striving.”