Josh Matavesi is calling on Ospreys supporters to assist him as he attempts to help family and friends back in Fiji after Cyclone Winston hit last weekend.
- Cyclone Winston ravaged Fiji, leaving tens of thousands homeless, damaging over 100 schools and killing 42 people
- Josh's has teammates have been the first to help, donating unwanted clothing and household items
- A collection point set up at the Liberty Stadium for anyone who wants to help the Flying Fijian as he helps his father's homeland
A collection has been set up at the Liberty Stadium in Swansea for any items people can donate to help those in need.
Tens of thousands of people have been left homeless, 42 people have been confirmed dead and more than 100 schools have been destroyed or damaged.
Cyclone Winston is the worst storm recorded in the southern hemisphere, according Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office.
The category-five storm also left many without water and it could be weeks before electricity is restored in some areas.
Australia has sent a military vessel which is expected to arrive in Fijian waters this week.
It is carrying three helicopters and 60 tonnes of supplies, including water purification equipment and medicine.
There are fewer than a million people living in Fiji, spread out on islands thousands of square miles apart, making it difficult to asses the full damage of the cyclone.
The severe tropical cyclone hit Fiji this month with winds gusts up to 325km/h and waves up to 12 metres high.
Josh, the flying Fijian, was born in Cornwall to an English mother and Fijian father.
His father, Sireli Matavesi, who is from Vanua Balava, Lau Islands in Fiji toured the United Kingdom as a rugby player in 1987 where he met Josh's mother, Karen.
Josh is now trying to help people in his father's country following the devastation of Cyclone Winston.
He said, "This is a callout for supporters of the Ospreys to help out with what's happened in Fiji. This is the biggest Cyclone to hit this part of the world.
"It wasn't meant to hit Fiji but the wind changed and it did. My dad's village is the worst hit, everyone is staying in the church.”
He's hoping that people in the area will bring anything they can donate - men's, women's and children's clothes, blankets, torches, sleeping bags.
Josh continued, "If you can just get down to the Liberty and lend a helping hand it would be much appreciated,"
The Ospreys players have been busy donating and there will also be a collection point at Liberty until Thursday 3rd March.
