Fiji international Sam Matavesi signs contract extension with Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have announced that Fiji international Sam Matavesi has signed a contract extension with the Gallagher Premiership club.

Matavesi joined Northampton Saints ahead of the 2019/20 season and has gone on to make 27 appearances for the club including 21 appearances in the Premiership.

The 29-year-old was part of Cornwall’s grassroots rugby system and started his professional rugby career with Plymouth in 2010 before switching to Cornish Pirates in 2015. He also had a loan stint with Toulouse in 2019 during which he helped the French club to a Top 14 title.

The 5ft 11in hooker made his international debut for Fiji during the June series in 2013 and has featured in 15 Tests with his last appearance coming in December 2020.

“I’m really excited to extend my time at Saints. Every time I pull on the jersey it’s an honour for me, and so signing on for more was an easy decision.

“My family have settled well here, and I love being a part of the playing group at Franklin’s Gardens – we’re working as hard as we can to improve and it’s a fantastic environment to train in.

“The coaches here are top class and have helped me to improve all aspects of my game, while I’m also extremely grateful to the Royal Navy for the opportunity to continue playing rugby at the elite level.

“I’m really excited to see what the future holds at Saints, and to try to repay all of the faith the Club’s amazing supporters have shown in me and the whole group over the last year.”

Northampton Saints are positioned fifth in the Gallagher Premiership table with 11 wins from 20 games.