Bedford Blues has announced that centre, Joel Matavesi will be leaving Goldington Road at the end of the season to take up an opportunity with Nationale 1 side, USBPA in eastern France.
Matavesi – who is currently out injured – has played for the Blues on 39 occasions, scoring eight tries and will hope to return from the physio’s table to play in at least one of six remaining games for Bedford Blues this season.
Following the Blues’ final league game at Caldy on 31 May, Matavesi will then join up with brother, Sam at the French club in eastern France, almost 50 miles north of Lyon.
“I’ve had a fantastic time at Bedford, and it will be extremely sad when the time comes at the end of the season to leave such a special club,” said Matavesi upon the news of his departure.
“When I first came here on loan [from Northampton Saints], I was immediately made to be feel part of the Blues family, and I’ll be forever grateful to Mike for giving me countless opportunities to wear the Blues jersey – and hopefully there’s still a few more chances to do so again this season.
“A huge thank you to the supporters for their incredible backing and for being the best fanbase in Championship Rugby. I won’t become a stranger and can’t wait to be back at Goldington Road supporting the boys with a Genesis in hand!”
USBPA – or Union Sportive Bressane Pays de l’Ain – are currently 8th in the 14-team Nationale 1 table, the third tier of French rugby.
Bedford Blues are back up to second in the Championship after a barnstorming 87-19 hammering of Nottingham on Saturday (12 April), as Dean Adamson equalled the club’s all-time try-scoring record with five of the thirteen tries scored at Goldington Road.
Read: Adamson scores five tries to equal record as Bedford Blues annihilate Nottingham
Bedford Blues are back in action this Saturday (19 April) at champions-elect, Ealing Trailfinders.
