Melani Matavao rugby player
Melani Matavao rugby player

Melani Matavao

19th Nov 1995 1.72m/80kg Scrum Half

Melani Matavao is a Samoan rugby union scrum-half who has made a significant impact in his career. He emerged through Samoa's PPS Super 9 competition as a standout player for the Aana Chiefs. Matavao's talent was recognized when he was selected for the Samoan Under 20 side in the U20 World Championship in Italy in 2015. He continued to progress, earning a place in the Samoa A team in 2016.

In 2018, Matavao received a unique opportunity under World Rugby's Pacific Combine scheme and joined Otago, where he played seven games in the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season. His skills and contributions on the field caught the attention of rugby enthusiasts.

Matavao's international career began in 2017 when he was selected for the Samoan national team. He made his debut in a test match against Scotland in Edinburgh. He played a crucial role in Samoa's qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, showcasing his abilities by scoring two tries in a qualifier against Germany.

His talent extended beyond the 15-a-side game, as he was also chosen for the Samoa Sevens team in February 2019. Matavao's versatility and skills led to his inclusion in Samoa's Rugby World Cup squad. He later participated in the 2020 World Sevens Series.

Matavao's impressive performances earned him a spot in the Samoan squad for the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, highlighting his continued growth and influence in the sport.

With his speed and potential, Matavao has proven himself as a dynamic and promising halfback, both in the sevens and fifteens formats of the game. His journey from representing the Samoan U20s to earning a place in the Manu Samoa squad demonstrates his dedication and talent.

Ahead of the World Rugby Cup 2023, Matavao has been named in the squad for Samoa.

KG(05/07/2023)


Career

samoa-rugby-logo Samoa
Scrum Half
2017 - present
samoa-rugby-logo Samoa 7's
Scrum Half
2019 - present
Moana Pasifika Rugby Logo Moana Pasifika Rugby
Scrum Half
2024 - present
samoa Samoa U20's
Scrum Half
2015 - 2015
image (4) Otago
Scrum Half
2018 - 2019