Edinburgh Rugby complete signing of Fijian Olympic hero

Edinburgh Rugby have confirmed the signing of Olympic gold medal-winning lock Viliame '˜Bill' Mata on a two-year deal.

Viliame Mata won gold with Fiji in Rio

Fijian sevens star Mata, 24, joins the Capital outfit after playing his part at the Rio games, where he scored a try in his side’s 43-7 victory over Team GB in the final. Mata said: “My goal was to win the gold medal for Fiji and we got it. Now my goal is to perform well for my new team.

“I am excited about signing for Edinburgh Rugby, and am looking forward to playing for the club.

“I am also excited about arriving in the city and meeting my new team-mates.”

Mata further bolsters Edinburgh’s pack for the 2016/17 season, joining new forward signings Nick Beavon, Lewis Carmichael, Kevin Bryce and Viliami Fihaki.

Edinburgh head coach Alan Solomons said: “We are delighted to welcome Bill to the club.

“He is a hugely talented player, who was part of the Fiji 7s team that recently won gold at the Rio Olympics.

“He is big, powerful and explosive and I believe he will add huge value to the team.”