Matawalu settling in nicely

By Mark Stevens
1/12/16

Niko Matawalu says he’s happy to be part of a “beautiful family” after checking into life at new club Exeter Chiefs.

The Fijian international is just days into life at Sandy Park, but already he feels at home and is ready to play his part for Rob Baxter’s side on all fronts.

Matawalu agreed terms on a deal until the end of the season from top-flight rivals Bath a fortnight ago, but he only arrived in Devon on Monday having been away with his national side on international duty.

Having been sidelined for a number of months with a serious knee injury, the 27-year-old readily admits he is looking to make up for lost time and can’t wait to get stuck into action with the Chiefs.

"It's so far so good," he said. "I really like the environment, the boys and the coaches. I needed to play some rugby and that's why I decided to move to Exeter. I'm just back from the Autumn tour and joined the boys this week and it seems to be going well."

Matawalu says he and Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter discussed what their goals are for this season before he made the move from Bath, and says he is looking forward to the challenge ahead as the Chiefs look to gain their second successive top-four finish.

He said: "Rob and I talked before I signed and he put over the goals and why they were signing me, so I'm looking forward to the season.

"I'm going to take things step-by-step. I want to play rugby and I'm really happy to be involved in this beautiful family at Exeter Chiefs. I'm really looking forward to the challenge that is ahead of me."

Matawalu was a second-half replacement in Fiji's nine-try 58-15 defeat to England at Twickenham on November 19.

It was his first game back after a PCL injury that kept him out for eight months and effectively ended his career at Bath, where he made 13 appearances in a one-year spell.

Now the versatile back, who enjoyed a successful spell with Glasgow Warriors prior to moving to Bath, is now back to full fitness and says he is completely over the long-term injury.

He said: "I was injured for eight months and Twickenham was my first game – I came on in the second half. It's getting there, the injury – it's safe now and I'm looking forward to this season."

The Chiefs have had their fair share of Fijians in the past in the likes of Josh Matavesi, Watisoni Votu, Nemani Nadolo and Sireli Naqelevuki, and Matawulu says he got their advice on what the club is like being making the move from Bath.

Matawalu says he heard only positive things from the former Chiefs players and is looking forward to playing with such a talented group that Baxter has managed to assemble at Sandy Park.

He said: "They've told me it's a good club and that the boys and management are really good, there's good facilities and that Exeter is also a nice place itself.

"I can play any position in the backline. There's lots of talent here and I'm looking forward to playing with the boys this season. Hopefully we'll be in a good spot at the end of the season."