Fijian Matavesi to turn on style for Camborne
BATH, ENGLAND - APRIL 18: Josh Matavesi of Bath cuts between Tommy Reffell (r) and Matias Moroni of Leicester makes the tackle during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bath and Leicester Tigers at The Recreation Ground on April 18, 2021 in Bath, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
National League Previews – League Two West
This season's National Two West features three new sides but newly promoted Camborne are the team that has caught the eye with their statement signing of Josh Matavesi.
Stephen Larkins' side have drafted in the 32-year-old Fijian international, who has previously starred in the Premiership for Exeter, Worcester, Newcastle and Bath.
Utility back Matavesi scored 56 points in 47 caps for Fiji before announcing his international retirement in 2019 and returns to his boyhood club from Japanese Divison Two side Aichi Shuttles.
As well as his topflight experience, Camborne-born Matavesi, below, will provide some serious punch to the club's backline with his hefty 6ft 2ins, 18st 8lb frame.
Director of rugby Larkins said: “Matavesi can play anywhere from 10, 12, 13 and 15. To get a Fijian international playing for us is pretty impressive. He's adding a lot to training on and off the field and has been quality for us.”
Camborne have also signed winger Alex Ducker from National One side Plymouth Albion, who has scored 25 tries in his last 30 games in the third tier.
Larkins said: “We've got a definite finisher in Alex Ducker who has been a top try scorer in National One and has played Championship rugby and sevens. He will add a great deal of X-factor and pace on the wing.”
Camborne take on local rivals Redruth on the second week of the season and Larkins is eagerly anticipating their match up in front of what should be a bumper crowd.
He said: “For the Redruth game we could get one of the biggest crowds outside of the Premiership because there's a lot of people talking about it already. Our tickets went on sale a few weeks ago and they are already being sold fast.
“As soon as the fixtures came out that was the one that everyone was looking forward to. We've got them on the September 9 and we've got them on the December 16 which is close to our traditional Boxing Day match against them but the two league matches are going to be huge for both clubs.
“Financially on and off the pitch they are going to be great, if we can get a few thousand through the gates it does create a massive atmosphere. We're pulling out all the stops to make it a great matchday experience and one we want spectators to come back to.”
Larkins says it'll be a learning curve for his side this season and hopes to cause a few surprises in the division.
He said: “I don't think we can say we solely want to survive because if you do that you'll end up in the bottom anyway. We've got to go out there, enjoy it, play our brand of rugby which will hopefully bring some excitement. We know Clifton are going to be strong, as will Dings, Hinckley are usually a big side and Redruth are always good.”
Dudley Kingswinford are the other newly promoted team after winning Regional 1 Midlands last year.
Leicester Lions romped to the title only losing one game last season but their closest competition was Dings Crusaders, who won 20 of their 26 games.
Stean Williams' side will expect to be in title contention once again next season, as will Mike Barber's Clifton who have finished third in the last two seasons.
Chester have moved across from National Two North as part of the RFU's restructure and after finishing seventh last season, head coach Guy Ford is hoping for an improved campaign and has done his homework on numerous sides in the division.
He said: “We know quite a bit about Hinckley and Loughborough from the couple years we played against those boys, they're both good sides. Loughborough play on a 4g as well and so do a couple others in the league. We're quite happy going in as a bit of an unknown ourselves. We'll do our research week by week and see what we can come up with.”
Hornets finished mid-table last term but possess the league's leading marksman Charlie Carter, who scored 187 points last season.
While, Luctoninans will be hoping for another stellar campaign from winger Ben Link after his 19-try season last year.
Looking towards the bottom of the table Hornets, Bournville and Newport (Salop) will be hoping to avoid another relegation battle this time around.
