Viliame Mata: Bristol Bears sign Edinburgh's Fiji back-row for 2024-25
- Published
Viliame Mata played for a World XV in the Killik Cup against the Barbarians at Twickenham in 2023
Bristol Bears are to sign Fiji international Viliame Mata from Edinburgh for next season.
The 32-year-old back-row - who scored against England in October's World Cup quarter-final - has made more than 100 appearances for Edinburgh.
Mata told the Bears website: "I'm truly grateful for the opportunity and excited for the challenge."
He was nominated for European club player of the year and named Pro14 Players' Player of the Year in 2018-19.
Bears director of rugby Pat Lam said: "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.
"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."
The Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist was the first non-Scottish qualified player to reach 100 appearances for a Scottish club.