Years of sacrifice paid off for Jeremaia Matana

Years of sacrifice and hard work was paid off when Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s forward Jeremaia Matana lifted the Melrose Cup in Cape Town on Monday morning.

Jeremaia’s proud father, Benidito says it was an emotional moment for him knowing that his son had sacrificed two years of rugby to help him at their farm and provide for their family.

Benidito says that he kept reminding his son to pursue his rugby dream after two years of farming.

Benidito adds that his son then asked him if he could look for a club to play again. Jeremaia later joined the Lavena 7s team and was re-called to join the Raiwasa Taveuni team before getting selected for Fiji.

He adds that the village are now planning for a grand celebration for Jeremaia.

Jeremaia attended Bouma District School and Wairiki Junior Secondary School in Taveuni.