Niko Matawalu: Glasgow Warriors extend Fijian's contract

Niko Matawalu has scored two tries since returning to Glasgow Warriors in August

Glasgow Warriors have exercised the option to extend Niko Matawalu's contract until May 2019.

The Fiji scrum-half, 28, re-joined Warriors for a second spell in August when he signed a one-year deal.

He has scored 28 tries in 84 appearances across both stints at Scotstoun, helping Glasgow to their first Pro12 triumph in 2015.

"I'm very happy and excited to be staying at Glasgow Warriors for another year," Matawalu told WarriorsTV.

"I always say that when you're happy you will perform well, so I'm very honoured to be back and I'm looking forward to being here for another season.

"It's good playing in front of our supporters and I'm enjoying playing under [head coach] Dave [Rennie] and being part of his team."

Matawalu, who can also play on the wing or at full-back, has crossed twice for Glasgow since returning to the club, and sparked a stunning 95m counter attack that led to Nick Grigg's try in Warriors' win over Leinster.

He has made 33 appearances for Fiji and played in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Matawalu helped Glasgow clinch the 2015 Pro12 title

The free-spirited back played for Glasgow between 2012 and 2015 before spells with Bath and Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership.

Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Kenny Murray added: "Some of his performances since he's come back have been outstanding. He's fitted in really well with the team and picked up how we're trying to play the game.

"That high-tempo, high-paced game really suits Niko, he's shown already how dangerous he can be in broken field and in unstructured attack. His ability to put teams under pressure from counter attack is outstanding, the Leinster game here at Scotstoun is an example of that and it's been great having him back.

"He's a big fans' favourite, you hear that from the crowd whenever his name gets announced. He brings an x-factor in attack that people want to pay money to come and watch, so it's great news for the club that he'll be here for another year at least."