Bristol Bears fan favourite set to miss rest of season with ACL injury

The Fijian number eight picked up the injury during the Gallagher Premiership Round 11 fixture at Mattioli Woods Welford Road and is expected to return next season.

Director of Rugby Pat Lam said: “Losing a player of Bill’s quality and experience for the remainder of the season, especially alongside injuries to other frontline forwards Pedro Rubiolo and Joe Batley in our pack, is a tough blow and reflects the kind of season we have had with injuries to date.

“With all of the injuries, it just creates opportunity for other players to step up and perform for the team.”

Mata was part of Fiji’s squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he helped secure a gold medal in rugby sevens. He has also represented the Flying Fijians at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.

In July 2016, Mata signed a two-year deal with Pro12 side Edinburgh, joining after Fiji’s Olympic triumph.

However, his visa expired after one year because he had not yet been capped at international level, as permits for players from non-Kolpak countries were limited to a year without international appearances.

He returned to Fiji, earned selection for the national 15s side, and made his test debut off the bench against Australia on 10 June.

After three further appearances, he qualified to reapply for a visa and returned to Edinburgh in September 2017, where he went on to become a regular starter.

He later extended his stay with Edinburgh in December 2017, committing to the club until 2020. At the conclusion of the 2018–19 Pro14 season, he was voted Players’ Player of the Season.

In January 2024, Mata made the move to England, signing for Bristol Bears ahead of the 2024–25 Premiership season.