The 33-year-old scrum half or wing has two World Cups and 41 caps to his credit and used to be one of the most potent attacking weapons in the United Rugby Championships during his two stints with Glasgow Warriors.
He played against Wales three times during his international career, including the 2019 clash in Oita at the World Cup in Japan and last year’s autumn game at Principality Stadium. He also made 17 appearances for the Fijian sevens side in the World Series.
With more than 100 games for the Warriors in the URC under his belt, as well as 33 games in the Heineken Champions Cup, 10 in the English Premiership with Bath and 18 last season in PROD2 with Montauban.
This is what Ponty fans can expect to see from him
The Fijian becomes the latest international player to sign-up to play in the Indigo Prem this season after former Wales scrum half Tavis Knoyle joined Merthyr from the Dragons, centre Adam Warren joined his brother Aaron at Llandovery and No 8 Dan Baker joined Aberavon, both from the same region.
Matawalu will be studying for a BSc (Hons) Rugby Coaching and Performance degree at the University of South Wales and as well as becoming a part time player/skills coach at Sardis Road, he will also be a performance coach for the Pontypridd Schools Dewar Shield side.
“This is another fantastic example of Pontypridd RFC and USW once again working hand in hand to enable a professional rugby player who has decided to concentrate on his career after rugby,” said Pontypridd, head coach Justin Burnell.
His first debut for Glasgow Warriors came at the Arms Park against the then Cardiff Blues in an 18-3 win on 6 October, 2012. This weekend Ponty open their campaign at Sardis Road against Cardiff RFC. Will lightning strike twice?
