Matavesi hoping for a change of luck

The 23-year-old is fighting fit with the Ospreys hierarchy under head coach Steve Tandy hoping the utility back can make a real impact in the PRO12 at inside centre outside the likes of Dan Biggar or Sam Davies.

Matavesi, who joins the club from Worcester Warriors, is one of six new signings for the Ospreys, alongside prop Cai Griffiths, South African Rynier Bernardo, ex-Newport Dragons duo Dan Evans and Sam Parry, and Carmarthen Quins prop Gareth Thomas.

And the Fijian international is hoping his physical strength and kicking game can help the Ospreys unleash the talent in their back line.

"Everything's good now," Matavesi told the South Wales Evening Post. "I suffered four different breaks altogether, not all on the same hand. I took a few blows during games and on one occasion there was also a freak accident in training.

"But both hands are strong now. There's a plate in there somewhere and I feel fine. I'm ready to go. I've had a chat with our backs coach Gruff Rees and the thinking is I'll try to make a mark as a 12.

"I'll play wherever I'm needed but you have to start somewhere and it would be good if I could specialise.

"Playing at 12, I'd be able to ease the pressure on Dan or Sam at fly-half. I have a kicking game and if I'm doing my job properly they wouldn't have to have eyes everywhere."

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