News
Joel Matavesi becomes a permanent Blue
Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that Joel Matavesi has become a permanent addition of our #BluesFamily having agreed terms for the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
The powerhouse, who has made 22 appearances for Bedford Blues already on loan from Northampton Saints, will add a great deal of versatility to the backline. While predominantly seen in the centre, the 28-year-old will now also provide competition at fly-half.
Speaking about signing, Matavesi said: “I’ve played a fair few games at Bedford now so it was an easy decision to make in terms of joining the club permanently.
“It made coming back in for training much easier with the fact I know most of the lads and there was a fair bit of banter thrown around.
“I want to continue adding things to this team, one which I absolutely love coming to play for.”
Matavesi came through Exeter Chiefs’ Academy system while playing for his hometown club, Camborne, and the English-qualified centre also spent some time with Welsh outfit Ospreys before returning to Cornwall to represent Redruth in National Two South.
His breakthrough came at Premiership level in 2017 when he made the switch to Newcastle Falcons, making five first-team appearances for the Kingston Park side, scoring one try on his league debut against Sale Sharks in 2021.
After a successful trial period at Northampton and spell here at Goldington Road, Matavesi penned a short-term contract with the men in Black, Green and Gold where he has spent the last 18 months.
Commenting on the latest recruit to the squad, Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer added: “We’re really pleased to secure Joel, particularly with his experience at 10.
“He’s a great character to have on and off the field who will bring a great skillset, both in terms of giving us gain line and the ability to move the ball.”
Huge thanks to Epic Intent for making this signing possible as they become his player sponsors this coming season.
Joel has become the latest member of the squad to sign up to the #BluesFamily – when will you follow suit? Fixtures for our league campaign are now out and can be viewed here, while Season Tickets still remain at Early Bird prices until Wednesday evening simply by clicking here.
