Newcastle sign Matavesi brothers

Newcastle Falcons’ ambitious recruitment plans for the 2017-18 season have advanced with the news that Fijian international Josh Matavesi and younger brother Joel Matavesi have both signed for the club.
 
Josh, 26, is a 17-times-capped centre who was born and raised in Cornwall, where his father Sireli came to live after visiting with the Fiji Barbarians on a tour to the UK in the 1980s. Part of the Ospreys side which defeated Newcastle Falcons in the European Challenge Cup last month, Josh will move to the North East following the end of the current season.
 
Joel, 21, is a fly-half who has also spent time with the Ospreys, the English-qualified former Exeter Chiefs academy player currently representing Redruth in National Two South ahead of his summer switch.
 
This double signing comes hot on the heels of the news that French centre Maxime Mermoz will join the Falcons next season, director of rugby Dean Richards delighted to have added the Matavesi brothers to his squad.
 
He said: “Josh is a proven and versatile performer who fits our style of play and can go well in a number of positions, such as centre and fly-half.
 
“I am sure our supporters will enjoy his flair and the impact he can make on the game, and then in Joel we have a very promising young talent who is looking to make the step up. It all points to very exciting times when we look at how the squad is coming together for next season.”