Exeter sign Niko Matawalu from Bath

Exeter Chiefs have bolstered their scrum-half roster with the signing of Fijian Niko Matawalu until the end of the season.
The Fijian international will head to Sandy Park from Aviva Premiership rivals Bath and will join up with his new team-mates once the current autumn internationals are concluded.
“Initially Niko’s joining until the end of the season,” said head coach Rob Baxter. “Initially we want to have a good look at him and then we’ll see if there is an opportunity beyond that.
“As a club we’re really looking forward to bringing him here. We had a good look at him previously when he first decided to move on from Glasgow to Bath, but now the opportunity has arisen for us to sign him and it’s come at the right time for us.
“We’re not expecting him to be 100 per cent straight away as he has had a relatively lengthy injury, but he’s fully fit now, he’s ready to play, and we’re hoping he will get some good game time during these autumn internationals to help get him right up to speed.”
Matawalu’s arrival will signal a fourth Fijian to have joined the Chiefs ranks during the Premiership era, following in the footsteps of Sireli Naqelevuki, Josh Matavesi and Nemani Nadolo.
The 27 year-old has made 13 appearances during his time at Bath, with injury hampering Matawalu’s game time over recent months.
“I have enjoyed my time here at Bath very much,” he said. “However, this is a good opportunity for me to get more game time with Exeter, and so it is the right step for me to further my career. I’d like to thank everyone at Bath for their support, and wish them all the best for the future.”
Bath Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder, added: “Niko has been a great character to have around the squad, but we understand that he would like to get more game time and wish him well.”