Josh Matavesi joins Worcester Warriors – Rugby News Update
Josh Matavesi, the 21 year-old Fiji international who can play as a fly-half or an inside centre has joined the Worcester Warriors ahead of the new season, making the switch from Racing Metro.
Richard Hill, the head coach of the Warriors is excited about the new signing, praising him in his welcome address. Josh will be a replacement for Dale Rasmussen, who recently departed from the club.
"Josh is a player we've been watching closely and he excites us with the way he plays," Hill said. "We already have some players within our squad who know him well from his Exeter days and Cornish connections.”
The Fiji international is new to the international circuit but does have considerable experience playing in the Heineken Cup, with his former employers, Racing Metro. Matavesi made his Fiji debut against Scotland at Murrayfield on the 14th of
November, 2009. So far he has played five internationals, with his last appearance coming against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on November 19, 2010.
Providing further details on his new recruit, Hill said, “He is somebody who is an attacking player, who plays with flair and will look to unlock defences, which is what we need to add to our game.”
Matavesi will have big shoes to fill when he replaces Rasmussen who made 198 appearances for the Warriors. Hill explained his decision to let go of Rasmussen and building a squad in his own mould, while providing opportunities to players like Ravai Fatiaki,
who will line-up next to Matavesi in the coming season.
Hill wants to get Matavesi familiar with his new surroundings as soon as possible, and he is looking to pre-season training to do that.
"Josh takes ball to the line, is good at offloading out of contact and as a Fijian he loves to tackle hard. Phil Larder is looking forward to working with him and integrating him into our systems.”
Matavesi will not be unfamiliar with the football culture in England, as he has played for the Exeter Chiefs previously and he will know players from his Exeter days and Cornish connections.
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