There's something special about coming home—and for Sam Matavesi, captaining Cornwall in the County Championship feels like a storybook return. The 34-year-old Fiji international, who has suited up for Northampton, Lyon, and the Cornish Pirates, is embracing the chance to lead the Duchy as they kick off their campaign.

Matavesi knows a thing or two about winning with Cornwall. He was part of the squad that captured the 2016 title and returned to Twickenham for the final the following year. Now, after helping Camborne earn promotion to National One this season, he's stepping into the captain's role with a sense of pride that runs deep.

"I grew up watching the Cornwall teams in Camborne and Redruth, and it's something I always wanted to do—play for Cornwall," Matavesi told BBC Radio Cornwall. "But to captain Cornwall is a massive honour. It's something I'm very proud of."

For Matavesi, this journey has come "full circle." He recalls the 2016 championship win and the electric atmosphere of playing at Twickenham. "It's just such a unique thing," he says. "You get to play with players you haven't played with before, players you've played against. The environment's good, it's been fresh, and I've enjoyed it."

Cornwall's squad is stacked with talent for the two-legged showdown against reigning champions Kent, with the winner heading to Twickenham to face either Lancashire or Yorkshire for the Bill Beaumont Cup. Matavesi's brother Josh—a former Bath and Fiji star—is in the mix, alongside ex-Exeter and Ealing full-back Max Bodilly, former Gloucester back Kyle Moyle, and Royal Navy stalwart Ben Priddey.

"That's a hell of a base of great experience and people that can still do it," Matavesi says. "Then you add in all the youngsters—it's a very special blend."

The squad even has a friendly against an Exeter Chiefs XV lined up this weekend to sharpen their form. And Matavesi believes the passion for playing for Cornwall runs deep across the county. "You forget how many Cornish players there are. If people like Jack Nowell and Luke Cowan-Dickie were available, I think they'd definitely play, because everyone's proud to play for Cornwall. It's a massive thing."

For Matavesi, leading this team isn't just about the title—it's about the pride of wearing the Duchy's colors and inspiring the next generation of Cornish rugby talent.