Mata Joins Bristol Bears

Olympian Viliame Mata’s transfer to the Bristol Bears for the 2024/2025 season was no surprise to his father Sitiveni Mata.

“He had mentioned last year that he would transfer if the Bristol Bears offered a lucrative deal,” Mata Senior said from his Nadonumai home yesterday.

“He had purchased a lot on freehold land at Nadawa with a house now under construction there.

“We are planning to complete the house this year.

“With the new contract he should be able to complete his draftsman course as he had started on it before he went over to Scotland.

“He told me that he is taking the course online because he trains during the day.

“While it may be a lucrative deal (Bristol Bears) he should also have a career to keep him occupied after professional rugby.”

“Bristol Bears is a top club in the United Kingdom. Every decision he makes is important because he now has three kids, and he should always think of his family. If he moves, what are the consequences that he and his family will face?”

Edinburgh Rugby in a statement yesterday confirmed Mata’s new contract.

The 32-year-old Nauluvatu, Nakelo, Tailevu native has made 125 appearances for Edinburgh since he signed with them in 2016; he is the first non-Scottish qualified player to become a club centurion.

The back-row sensation, who stands at 6’5” and weighs in at 125kg, was nominated for EPCR Player of the Year and named Guinness PRO14 Players’ Player of the Year in 2018/19.

Edinburgh coach Sean Everitt while wishing him well said: “Bill (Mata) has been an incredible and standout performer since joining Edinburgh in 2016 and he will go down as one of the greatest overseas players to wear the castle on his chest.

Bristol Bears director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Viliame is one of the most powerful and exciting back-row players in the game, so we’re delighted to be bolstering our forward pack with a player of his world-class calibre next season.

“While he is destructive and brings gain line on both sides of the ball, he also possesses the passing/offloading skills and experience that will add real value to our team.

Viliame Mata will transfer to the Bristol Bears for the 2024/2025 season.

“His performances as a centurion for Edinburgh and at the recent Rugby World Cup in France for Fiji, showcased his experience and ability at the top level. We’re pleased to be bringing him to the Bears and the Premiership next season.”

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Bristol Bears next season. I’m excited for the challenge of playing for a different team, in a different environment and a different league,” Mata said.

Flying Fijian Mata was a standout player at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, scoring against England in the quarter- final.

He won Olympic Gold with Fiji sevens at Rio in 2016.

Mata is the fourth Fijian to be part of the Bristol Bears’ 48-member squad. The other three are Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ratu Siva Naulago and Virimi Vakatawa.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj