French club confirm signing of Saints title winner Matavesi

On Tuesday, it was announced that the Fiji hooker had exited Northampton with immediate effect to 'pursue a playing opportunity overseas'.

Matavesi had been strongly linked with a two-year deal at Lyon, and now that speculation has become reality.

The 32-year-old will be one of several Saints players moving across the Channel this summer, with key men such as Courtney Lawes, Alex Moon and Lewis Ludlam also bound for France.

Matavesi has been a success story for Saints since making his debut for the club away to Leinster in December 2019.

He arrived from Cornish Pirates and went on to make 89 appearances during a five-season spell at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens, scoring 13 tries in the process.

His final appearance for Saints came off the bench in the Gallagher Premiership victory over Bath at Twickenham earlier this month, when he became the first serving military (Royal Navy) rugby player to lift the trophy.

And after his departure from Saints was announced, Matavesi took to Instagram to say goodbye.

He posted: “Firstly I want to thanks @northamptonsaints for allowing me the opportunity to chase a new adventure, something that's right for me and the family.

"Nearly 5 seasons ago I was a championship player chasing a dream and I've been living the dream as a Saint. A great club with so much history and the best and loudest fans you could wish for.

"To the players & staff past and present you've created an environment that's made me way to come into work every day with a massive smile on my face and something I've loved doing. I wish everyone all the success individually and as a team.

"My beautiful family especially my wife @lilymatavesi the adventure continues. Thanks for always having mine and the kids' best interests as your sole focus. We love you and want to make you proud.

"THANK YOU

"ARMY SAINT #2023.”

In the announcement of Matavesi’s departure earlier this week, Saints boss Phil Dowson stressed his squad is strong enough to cope next season.

Dowson said: “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.

“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.”