Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi leaves Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints have announced that hooker Sam Matavesi will be leaving the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Matavesi joined Northampton ahead of the 2019/20 season and has racked up 89 appearances for the club spread across five years scoring 13 tries.

The 32-year-old's last appearance for the club came in their victorious Premiership final against Bath Rugby at Twickenham Stadium earlier in the month.

Prior to joining Northampton Saints, Matavesi also played for Plymouth Albion, Cornish Pirates and Toulouse. He made his Test debut for Fiji in 2013 and is the younger brother of Josh Matavesi.

“We’re disappointed that Sam has decided to move overseas, but we have a fantastic stable of hookers at Saints in Curtis Langdon, Robbie Smith and Craig Wright – so we have every confidence in the quality we have in that space,” said Northampton’s Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.

“Curtis and Robbie are both pushing for international selection with England and Scotland respectively, while Craig is currently England’s standout hooker at Under-20s level.

“Sam has brought a lot, both on and off the pitch, to our group over the last few seasons, so we thank him for his contribution and wish him and his family the best for their next step.”