Plymouth Albion forward Sam Matavesi makes Fiji debut

Plymouth Albion flanker Sam Matavesi made his debut for Fiji in their 20-18 Pacific Nations Cup loss to Canada against in Ontario.

Matavesi, 21, who was a surprise call-up to the Fijian squad after making only five starts in the Championship, came on as a second-half replacement.

The Camborne-born forward qualifies for Fiji through his father, and faced a number of his former team-mates.

Ex-Albion men Tyler Hotson and Aaron Carpenter were in the Canada side.

Carpenter, who signed for the Cornish Pirates in April, scored the opening try for the Canadians, who trailed 11-10 at half-time.

Also playing for Canada was his new Cornish Pirates team-mate, winger Matt Evans, while former Plymouth Albion second-row Rupeni Nasiga was in the Fiji side.

The win lifts Canada to the top of the Pacific Nations Cup standings with two wins from two, while Fiji are second after their opening 22-8 victory over Japan on 1 June.