STAYING WITH GUNNERS IS FAMILY MATA
BILL MATA has revealed his family’s love affair with Scotland was a key factor in his decision to stay on at Edinburgh for a further year.
Gunners boss Richard Cockerill beat competition from big-spending clubs in England and France to extend the Fijian hero’s contract until at least 2021.
Mata – an Olympic sevens gold medallist three years ago – is one of the favourites to land the European Player of the Year Award.
And he said: “I’ve had a great time in Edinburgh over the last two seasons.
“We have settled in well and my family just loves it here.
“We’re excited and blessed to be staying in this city for another two seasons.
“The club are definitely growing and I’m so excited to see how we can keep on improving.
“I’m still getting used to the weather here as it’s so different to back home but I ’ ve got another two seasons to keep adapting!”
Mata won his gold at Rio after scoring a try in Fiji’s 43-7 victory over Great Britain in the final.
Cockeri l l , who is preparing for Saturday’s crucial Pro14 clash against Treviso in Italy, said: “Bill is one of the most exciting talents in the world right now.
“I’m delighted he feels that his future is here.
“We love him and he thrives in the culture we’ve created around him.
“He’s still a young man, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he produces in an Edinburgh jersey in the years ahead.”