Flying Fijians international Josh Matavesi and his younger brother Joel have signed with the Newcastle Falcons .
Twenty-six-year-old Josh Mativesi made his test debut in 2009 and earned his 17th cap in November, when he started at first five against England at Twickenham.
He was raised in Cornwall, where his father Sireli came to live after visiting with the Fiji Barbarians on a tour to the UK in the 1980s.
Josh Matavesi is tackled during Fiji's test against England at Twickenham in November. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Matavesi joins from the Ospreys in Wales, while younger brother Joel Matavesi is a first five who also spent time with the Ospreys and is currently playing for Redruth in the fourth tier of English rugby.
Director of rugby Dean Richards told the Falcons club website he was delighted to have added the Matavesi brothers to his squad.
"Josh is a proven and versatile performer who fits our style of play and can go well into a number of positions, such as centre and fly-half," he said.
"I am sure our supporters will enjoy his flair and the impact he can make on the game, and then in Joel we have a very promising young talent who is looking to make the step up.
"It all points to very exciting times when we look at how the squad is coming together for next season."
Josh Matavesi is leaving the Ospreys for Newcastle at the end of the season. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Josh Matavesi said he was really excited about his impending move and fact Newcastle are "looking to play a very positive style of rugby with good players and good coaching".
"I have tapped into the Pacific islands network and spoken to people like Vereniki Goneva and Nili Latu about the prospect of coming to Newcastle. They were all really positive about the club and the city, so it's exciting times all round.
On the prospect of brother Joel joining him on Tyneside, Josh said: "He's a good player and a big unit.
"He could be taking my spot in the team so I have to be careful, but he is finishing the season down at Redruth and I'm making sure he's in great shape for the start of pre-season."
