Centre Joel Matavesi has signed a new contract to remain at Northampton Saints, the Club can today confirm.
The 28-year-old has made seven appearances in Black, Green and Gold since initially arriving in Northampton on a short-term deal in 2022.
Originally a part of Exeter Chiefs’ Academy, alongside older brothers Josh and current Saints hooker Sam, Matavesi spent time at hometown club Cambourne, Welsh outfit Ospreys, and Cornish side Redruth before breaking into the Gallagher Premiership at Newcastle Falcons in 2017.
Matavesi was named a permanent part of Saints’ squad after a successful trial period ahead of the 2022/23 season, and now the centre is delighted to be extending his stay in Northampton.
“I’m over the moon to be staying on with Saints,” said Matavesi. “I still feel like I am learning and growing as a player here, and that I have a lot to offer on the pitch, so I didn’t want to look to go and play anywhere else.
“This is the best place for me to keep on improving. I’ve got a lot fitter since arriving at the Club, and I feel like as well as bringing on the physical side of my game, I feel a lot more confident thanks to the work the coaches are doing with me.”
Joel Matavesi
“Phil Dowson and the coaches have always been very straight with me; it’s a good thing to know what you’ve got to work on, and they’ve got a big squad to pick from, but I’m hoping over the seasons ahead I can get some minutes in the first team and keep pushing the other centres so I can wear the shirt more often.
“My family and I are very settled here in Northampton, and it’s a fantastic place to play rugby, so it was a very easy decision to stay.”
The centre touched down in Northampton in March 2022, making his Club debut a just few days later against Saracens in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Matavesi has since gone on to feature regularly for Saints in that competition, making seven appearances and scoring 22 points in Black, Green and Gold to date.
Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, added: “Joel came to us initially on a trial, and ever since he first set foot inside the Club he’s been determined to get better as a player.
“He’s worked so hard since that trial and done everything we’ve asked of him, getting himself into incredible shape and grafting as hard as anyone in training, so he can give himself the best opportunity to play more regularly for the first team.
“He’s great for the environment, and while he is a very good player already, he’s still got plenty of potential still given his power and size – but most importantly for me as a coach, you see that mindset to keep on improving.”
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