Sailors from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose are cheering on 2019 Rugby World Cup player Sam Matavesi, of Fiji.

All eyes from the air station at Helston, Cornwall, will be on Sam, who typically works in the stores warehouse.

A spokesman for RNAS Culdrose said: “Sam’s job in the navy is as an able rating in the supply chain department. He is basically a safe pair of hands who ensures vital supplies are offloaded quickly and efficiently, up the line to the frontline squadrons – which is not a million miles away from his latest job as a hooker on the Fijian team. From everyone here in Culdrose: good luck Sam!”

Men, women and Culdrose filmed a video to say good luck, which involved many of his friends, including members of the air station’s rugby team.

Born in Camborne, Sam is also well known as a player for the Cornish Pirates.

He has also represented the Royal Navy at Twickenham three times against the army, been on a USA tour for the navy and selected for the combined services and Fleet Air Arm rugby teams.

Sam will be joined at the World Cup in Japan by his older brother, Josh Matavesi, a fly half who has played for Newcastle, Ospreys and Racing 92.