Matavesi linked to surprise move away
Fijian international centre Josh Matavesi has been linked with a possible surprise departure from Bath Rugby according to the latest reports.
The Rugby Paper reports that 30-year-old Cornish-raised Matavesi could be allowed to leave the Blue, Black and White for a lucrative move to the Japanese Top League to make room in the club’s salary cap to plug other holes in the squad, namely at hooker.
Hooker Jack Walker left Bath at the end of last season for Harlequins, leaving director of rugby Stuart Hooper with Tom Dunn, Jacques Du Toit and Tom Doughty as his three current senior options in the middle of the front row.
Hooper and his fellow directors of rugby at the 13 English top-flight clubs are currently having to work harder than ever to put together competitive squads having seen the salary cap reduced this season as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rugby’s finances.
The Bath Chronicle understands the idea to get Matavesi off the books is being explored.
The emergence of Max Ojomoh towards the end of the 2020/21 season, which saw the 20-year-old calledup to train with England ahead of the summer internationals against the USA and Canada, along with Scottish international Cam Redpath - who is currently sidelined with an ACL injury - and 54-cap England centre Jonathan Joseph and Max Wright, means Bath are well-stocked with talent in their midfield.
21-year-old centre academy graduate Will Butt is also understood to be turning heads in pre-season training this summer having impressed in the Championship with Coventry last season.
Like Matavesi he is a powerful player who can be used to burst holes in the midfield.
The departure of Matavesi would provide more playing opportunities for two exciting home grown talents in Ojomoh and Butt which has been a part of Bath’s vision to have half the senior squad having come through the academy by 2023 - a date which is fast approaching.
Joseph was linked with a move to French Top 14 side Toulon in the Spring but reassuringly for Bath fans that has now gone quiet and the Bath Chronicle understands he is fully committed to the club.
Matavesi joined Bath from Newcastle Falcons in January 2020 as a replacement for Jamie Roberts who departed midseason for South African Super Rugby side the Stormers.
Matavesi, who has 24-caps for Fiji, has previously played for Exeter Chiefs, Ospreys, Racing 92 and Worcester Warriors as well as running out for the Barbarians.
The Rugby Paper reports Matavesi still has one year remaining on his current contract at Bath.
Earlier in the summer, Hooper said Bath are looking to add a couple more players to their squad but did not mention any out-going players. The Bath Chronicle understands additions are still expected.