Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Saints sign Joel Matavesi while releasing player from contract

Joel Matavesi of Newcastle Falcons in action during the European Rugby Challenge Cup Quarter Final match between Leicester Tigers and Newcastle Falcons (Photo by Chris Lishman/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Northampton Saints have confirmed the signing of Joel Matavesi on a short-term deal, while also releasing Dani Long-Martinez from his contract early.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 25-year-old centre is the younger brother of Fijian internationals Josh and Sam Matavesi, the current Saints hooker.

He came through Exeter Chiefs’ Academy system while playing for his hometown club, Cambourne, and the English-qualified centre also spent some time with Welsh outfit Ospreys before returning to Cornwall to represent Redruth in National Two South.

Video Spacer

Jamie Noon previews the final round of the Six Nations | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 25

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 1:06:55
Loaded: 0.00%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 1:06:55
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    Jamie Noon previews the final round of the Six Nations | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 25

    “His breakthrough to Gallagher Premiership level came in 2017 when he made the switch to Newcastle Falcons, and Matavesi made five first-team appearances for the Kingston Park side, scoring one try on his league debut against Sale Sharks in 2021,” a statement from Saints read.

    “After a successful trial period at Northampton and loan spell with Saints’ partner club Bedford Blues – where he has made four Championship appearances since the start of February – Matavesi has penned a short-term contract with the men in Black, Green and Gold.”

    Meanwhile the club also confirmed that Dani Long-Martinez has been released from his contract with Northampton Saints by mutual consent.

    The 20-year-old Norfolk-born wing initially signed with the men in Black, Green and Gold in the summer of 2020, having come through the Club’s Academy system.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Having previously represented Norwich School and Holt RFC, Long-Martinez featured heavily for Saints’ Under-18 side during the 2019/20 season, top scoring across the Academy League campaign, and at the 2019 Premiership Rugby 7s competition, prior to signing a full-time deal at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens.

    He scored his only Northampton try in a pre-season friendly against Worcester Warriors ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, and gained experience out on loan with Championship side Bedford Blues over the last two seasons.

    “Northampton Saints would like to wish Dani well for the future, and thank him for his contribution during his two years at the Club,” the statement concluded.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Boks Office | Episode 32 | How To Win Europe

    Round 12 Highlights | PWR 2024/25

    Bristol Bears vs Gloucester-Hartpury | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

    Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kobelco Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match

    Edinburgh vs Brython | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

    Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

    Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

    AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    0 Comments
    Be the first to comment...

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Features

    Comments on RugbyPass

    LONG READ
    LONG READ Money not everything in Toulouse ‘paradise’ as rivals try to rein in champions Money not everything in Toulouse ‘paradise’ as rivals try to rein in champions
    Search