Sam Matavesi: Cornish Pirates sign ex-Fiji forward as injuries mount up

Sam Matavesi's last Redruth appearance was against Chinnor in National Two South at the end of last month

Cornish Pirates have signed former Fiji international Sam Matavesi.

The 25-year-old forward, who was born in Cornwall, has arrived from local rivals Redruth to provide cover after injuries to Tom Channon, Jack Innard and Tom Cowan-Dickie.

Matavesi, who has previously played for Plymouth Albion and Camborne, and also had a brief spell at Racing Metro, can play as hooker or in the back-row.

Pirates are sixth in the Championship after beating Bedford 24-17.

Matavesi, who is the brother of Newcastle players Josh and Joel, won three caps for Fiji in 2013 and helped Cornwall win the County Championship title in 2016.

He is now serving in the Navy and is based at RNAS Culdrose and has agreed a deal until the end of the current season.

"Welcoming Sam to the squad is going to be a massive boost, as we again take on another talented Cornishman," said Pirates coach Alan Paver.

"Having had a stint with Plymouth Albion, he knows what the Championship is about, and he has also played extremely well for the Reds.

"Identifying him as a talented player, we have been able to work with the Navy to provide another example of the good partnership developed during the past couple of years."