Bristol have signed one of the world's 'strongest and brightest' defenders

The 32-year-old was one of the brightest players at last year's World Cup. Photo: Getty Images/Gaspafotos

Bristol Bears have signed Fijian star William Mata from Edinburgh ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The highly rated back row player known as 'Bill' has been one of the standouts Pacific Islands players at last year's World Cup in France, where he was part of the Fiji team that reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years. years.

A devastating, dynamic number 8, 6ft 5in and 19st 9lb, Mata scored a try in his side's quarter-final defeat to England when he sold Manu Tuilagi with a tricky dummy. pass before straightening up and crashing under the pillars at close range.

The former sevens specialist will join Bristol with a stellar CV, having been nominated for EPCR Player of the Year and named PRO14 Player of the Year for the 2018-19 season. .

He was part of the historic Fiji team that won Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and last year became the first non-Scottish qualified player to make 100 appearances for Edinburgh, where he is one of the club's highest paid players with a reported fee of £450,000 pounds.

Mata has been heavily linked with a move south of the border after Edinburgh boss Sean Everitt hinted last month that the Scottish club were unable to compete with better offers from the Premier League.< /p>'One of the most exciting defenders in the game'

The 32-year-old is the latest in a string of blockbuster signings by the Fijians under Lam in recent years, having secured the services of Kalaveti Ravvu last year. The 24-year-old defender replaces compatriot Semi Radradra, who left for Lyon at the end of the 2022/23 season.

“Williame is one of the most powerful and exciting back-row players in the game. «So we are delighted to be adding a world-class player to our forward squad next season,» said Pat Lam, Bristol's Director of Rugby.

«While he is disruptive and brings line-winning performance on both sides of the ball, he also has passing and offloading skills and experience that will be a real asset to our team.

“His performances as a centurion for Edinburgh and at the recent Rugby World Cup in France for Fiji demonstrated his experience and ability at highest level. We are delighted to welcome him to the Bears and the Premier League next season.”

On joining the West Country club, Mata said: “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Bristol Club.” Bears next season. I'm looking forward to playing for a different team, in a different environment and in a different league.»