The versatile back has joined up with his Ospreys teammates for the first time since he signed a two-year-deal from Worcester Warriors in January, and the 23-year-old, who represented England at junior level, is raring to go after an injury-hit season at Sixways.
“I can’t wait for the matches to start,” said Matavesi. “It will be good to have a fresh start and a pre-season under my belt and tear into some teams.
“I had quite a lot of injuries with my hands last year, but I’m over them now and looking forward to lining up for the Ospreys.”
The five-times capped Fijian has been deployed in a number of positions across the backline, having played centre or full-back during his spell in France with Racing Metro and at Worcester, while his international selection at outside-half is testament to his footballing skills.
The Cornwall-born playmaker has scored 14 points in his six internationals since making his debut against Scotland in 2009 and the Ospreys are hoping he can give them the edge in midfield by providing competition for Wales internationals Ashley Beck, Andrew Bishop and Jonathan Spratt as they look to improve on a fifth-place finish in the RaboDirect PRO12.
“There’s going to be a lot of competition. Andrew Bishop, Ashley Beck and Jonathan Spratt are all international players so it’s going to be a big step up. But, hopefully, with hard work I can play my way into the team,” added Matavesi.
“What will I bring? Physicality, some flair, offloads. Hopefully, I can have a good time and score a few tries.”
