Josh Matavesi magic means attack, attack for Worcester Warriors
Following consolidation last season, Richard Hill has made it clear he wants to evolve the Warriors attacking game – and Fijian centre Matavesi, who combines raw power with a deft sleight of hand, is likely to be at the heart of that.
No team scored fewer tries than the Warriors’ tally of 23 in the Premiership last season but Hill has told the 21-year-old a new game-plan will be implemented, starting with their opening game of the 2012-13 campaign against Bath.
That is followed by tough assignments against Leicester and a derby with Gloucester, but Matavesi believes the forward-orientated tactics will become a thing of the past at Sixways.
He said: “I like to think I can bring flair and can add to the attacking style Worcester have been looking for. I have got a physical presence and an offloading game to go with it.
“When I was invited by Richard to have a look at the facilities it was clear they have one of the best set-ups in the country.
“The way everything is run is so organised – the attention to detail with a full-time nutritionist here is staggering.
“Everything is in place for the club to be successful, and I would not have come to a club that did not want to achieve things.
“I know what Worcester’s reputation was in the past for playing forward-style rugby, but it will be a different story this year – I promise.”
Matavesi has been bedding into his new surroundings at Sixways, while enjoying the birth of a baby daughter, Lei’lani.
Matavesi did have another year on his contract at Racing but with new rules limiting the number of foreigners in Top 14 squads he decided to move elsewhere.
Having left Exeter as a 19-year-old as a bit-part player, he is adamant he returns to English shores as a player ready to take centre stage.
He said: “It was a risk going out to France because I have never been away from home before and going from Exeter to Paris is a big move.
“Guys like Juan and Frans were world-class players and I was just a kid from Cornwall so I did not expect to start every game. But I still got to play against Toulouse and Toulon and in the Stade de France in front of 70,000 people.
“I would meet up with them after rugby and that was really revealing. They had a totally different mindset to other players I have been around.
“Although they are very different individuals, they wanted to be the very best and that’s what I want to bring to Worcester.
“I am coming back a more mature and grown-up individual and also someone who is ready to be playing week-in, week-out.
“There are a lot of good players at Worcester and the competition will be good for all of us, but I want to be playing every match I can.
“I have the belief in my own abilities and that I can really make my mark on the Premiership next season.”
DANIEL SCHOFIELD
