From rebel to role model: Inspiring story of a Fijian rugby star

Nikola Matawalu’s rugby career spans from the dusty community fields of Kaji rugby in Rakiraki, in the west of Fiji, to representing the country on international stages.

For most of his rugby life, Matawalu was known for being a dynamic, skillful, and entertaining player.

The former Fiji 7s and Flying Fijian rugby player attributes his uncompromising style to his disciplined upbringing in a household led by a former military officer who also doubled as a pastor.

“We went to church on Sundays and we were not allowed to eat the ‘talivunau’, or food prepared for pastors when they preach,” Matawalu recalls.

“We had to take the food to other families to eat, and at home, food was rationed to us.

“Like biscuits, the oldest would get more and the youngest would get the least. I would get three biscuits and there’s two more siblings younger than me.”

His father believed in order, respect, and obedience, and he enforced these principles strictly.

But young Matawalu, who was spirited and restless, often felt like the black sheep of the family.

“On Sundays, I'd go to church with a nice, clean white shirt and come back home all dirty. It was because I would be playing rugby in the field while my father was preaching.

Nikola Matawalu with his siblings, his Mum Adi Aloesi Matawalu and his wife in Fiji. Photo/Pauliasi Matawalu

“I’d get the hiding from my father after church, but next Sunday, I'd do it again.

“I did many things back then and was known as the black sheep.”

It was during these Sunday games in the dusty community fields that he discovered his love for rugby.

“So, I started taking up rugby that time in Ra, in Nabau. That time it was the Milo Kaji Games that we went to play in,” Matawalu says.

“That time also, we played barefooted. No rugby boots.”

Matawalu continued playing rugby throughout school and later joined Suva Grammar School, where he tried out for the Under-19 Fiji team that toured Australia.

Nikola Matawalu featured for Fiji against England in the 2015 RWC. Photo/SkySports

Despite his rebellious reputation, he earned his way onto the national team, proudly representing Fiji when he debuted in 2010 against Japan.

“If you ask anyone who knew me in the team, they tell you I am a happy person, an entertainer and also being the black sheep meant indiscipline as most times when i’d turn up drunk,” Matawalu says.

“But throughout that time, I would always make sure that despite the late nights and all, I'd be the first one to turn up to training and to always listen to the coaches.

“That’s something my upbringing and my years at the Fiji Navy taught me.”

Matawaly signed with Glasgow Warriors in 2012, a contract that allowed him to experience life and rugby beyond his upbringing.

“When I came abroad, it opened my eyes to more possibilities and opportunities,” he says.

Celebrating his 100th game with Glasgow Warriors. Photo/Glasgow Warriors

“I played for several clubs here in the UK and worked at getting my visa to live here permanently.

“Between those years, I grew as a person, as a father to two sons, and I left the things I used to do before.”

Matawalu played for Glasgow Warriors until 2015 when he signed with Bath Rugby. He later joined Exeter Rugby in 2016 before re-signing with Glasgow Warriors in 2017.

In 2021, he joined the French club, Montauban, before announcing his retirement from professional rugby.

“It took me four months to think about retiring from professional rugby as I had to think about what was next,” he says.

“But I did it because I wanted to be able to take my sons to school and pick them up after school. I wanted to be close to them.

Nikola Matawalu with his wife Jovi and two sons Junior and Peni. Photo/Niko Matawalu

“And also, as rugby took me away from home a lot, I wanted to be more present at home.”

In 2022, Matawalu applied for a degree in Rugby Coaching at the University of South Wales, unsure if he belonged in a classroom.

“But they accepted me. I was excited even though I didn't know how to use a laptop,” he says.

“English wasn’t even my strongest suit, and I found it challenging to write essays for uni.

“But I persevered because I have a partner who supported me, understood my vision and helped me along the way”.

Three years later, Matawalu not only passed, he graduated with First Class Honours in a Bachelor of Science Degree in Rugby Coaching and Performance.

Nikola Matawalu was one of three rugby players who graduated from the University of South Wales last week. Photo/ University of South Wales

“For me, this is just the beginning,” he says.

“During my time in university, I founded the NM (Nikola Matawalu) Rugby Academy, where I provide professional rugby coaching services. I also coach the university rugby team.

“I have that to keep me busy while also being here for my family.”

Today, Matawalu stands proudly, not on a podium holding a trophy, but on a practice field, scanning the next generation of players as an emerging coach and mentor.

“One thing my father told me is to never ever let fame or rise in rugby change who i am as a person,” Matawalu says with a smile.

“That is what keeps me going through all these different seasons of my life journey and my career.

Nikola Matawalu's farewell from the Glasgow Warriors in 2021. Inset: His late father, Nikola Matawalu Snr. Photo/ Glasgow Warriors

“It keeps me in check.”

Matawalu remains the black sheep in some ways, but now it’s for choosing a different path, breaking cycles and redefining success on his own terms.

Watch Nikola Matawalu's interview after signing on with Glasgow Warriors.