Bristol Bears confirm signing of 'world-class' Viliame Mata from Edinburgh ahead of 2024/25 season

Viliame Mata is set to join Gallagher Premiership Rugby side Bristol Bears ahead of the 2024/25 season from Edinburgh, the English club has announced.

The Fijian back-row forward impressed at the 2023 World Cup in France during the summer where he scored in the narrow quarter-final defeat to England.

Following the confirmation of Mata’s move, the 32-year-old described his excitement over the challenges that lie ahead.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Bristol Bears next season,” Mata told Bristol's club website.

“I’m excited for the challenge of playing for a different team, in a different environment and a different league.”

Mata became the first non-Scottish qualified player to make 100 appearances for Edinburgh, and Bristol Bears director of Rugby Pat Lam described him as “world-class calibre”.

“Viliame is one of the most powerful and exciting back-row players in the game, so we’re delighted to be bolstering our forward pack with a player of his world-class calibre next season,” he told the club website.

“While he is destructive and brings gain line on both sides of the ball, he also possesses the passing/offloading skills and experience that will add real value to our team.

“His performances as a centurion for Edinburgh and at the recent Rugby World Cup in France for Fiji, showcased his experience and ability at the top level.

“We’re pleased to be bringing him to the Bears and the Premiership next season.”

Mata joined Edinburgh in 2016 and excelled both in Scotland and on the international stage, where he won Olympic gold with Fiji’s sevens team at the 2016 Games in Rio, Brazil.

Edinburgh senior coach Sean Everitt described the Fiji international as one of the club’s greatest imports of all time.

“Bill has been an incredible and standout performer since joining Edinburgh in 2016,” Everitt said.

“He will go down as one of the greatest overseas players to wear the castle on his chest.”

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