Fiji’s Rugby World Cup star Sam Matavesi issues desperate public appeal to find stolen jerseys, medal and cap
FIJIAN rugby star Sam Matavesi has launched a desperate online appeal after having jerseys, a medal and cap stolen.
The Cornish Pirates hooker, 27, took to social media in an attempt to recover the items that were nicked from a car in Shoreditch, East London, after returning from the World Cup.
"We stayed in Shoreditch and parked the car over night at NCP Finsbury Square car park, when we returned the following day our car had been burgled and my World Cup kit bags had been stolen from the car.
"The bags contained 3 Fiji World Cup jerseys plus other signed Fiji shirts, World Cup cap and presentation medal, rugby kit, boots, trainers, gym shoes and other personal belongings and rugby memorabilia.
"Could you please share this/and look for any shirts/kit/boots etc that come up online, or you hear or see anything from around the area.
"Thanks in advance. Sam."
Plenty of followers responded with their best wishes and support, including Cornish Pirates, who said, "Please share to help get Sam's Rugby World Cup kit back," and tagged other clubs.
Matavesi featured in all four of Fiji's Pool D matches at the World Cup in Japan, starting against Australia and Wales.
His side - which also featured older brother Josh - pushed the Wallabies close in their first game before being undone by Uruguay.
They then crushed Georgia before bowing out with a valiant effort against Wales, eventually losing 29-17.
Matavesi's side finished third in the group and guaranteed their place at the next World Cup, in France in 2023.
The 102kg star is expected to make his return to club action with the Championship side within the coming weeks.
Pirates made a 30-10 winning start to the new league season on Saturday at home to Ealing.