Akim Matvejev

Akim Matvejev

Personal information
Full name	Akim Matvejev
Born	(2006-06-29) 29 June 2006 (age 18) Tallinn, Estonia
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Playing information
Position	Prop
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2024– Castleford Tigers 2 0 0 0 0
Source: [1] [2] As of 19 September 2024

Akim Matvejev (born 29 June 2006) is an Estonian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop forward for the Castleford Tigers in the Super League.

Background

Matvejev was born in Tallinn, Estonia. He moved with his family to England in 2012. ^[3]

He studied at Bruntcliffe Academy and Leeds College of Building. ^[3]

Matvejev played junior rugby league for Drighlington ARLFC after he took up the sport aged 12. He joined the Castleford Tigers development system at scholarship level. ^[3]

Playing career

In April 2024, Matvejev signed a two-year contract with the Castleford Tigers alongside nine academy teammates. ^[4] He was first named in the 21-man squad to face Leigh on 1 August and assigned squad number 39, although did not feature. ^{[5] [6]} On 13 September, Matvejev made his Super League debut for Castleford against St Helens as an interchange. ^{[7] [8]} In doing so, he became the first Estonian to play in the Super League. ^{[9] [10]} He made his first senior start the following week against Huddersfield. ^{[11] [12]}

References

1. "Player Summary: Akim Matvejev". Rugby League Records. Rugby League Record Keepers Club. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
2. "Akim Matvejev - Playing Career". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
3. Heppenstall, Ross (14 September 2024). "NextGen: The Estonia-born Castleford Tigers talent who made Super League history". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
4. "Tigers announce contracts for 10 academy players". Castleford Tigers. 26 April 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
5. Smith, Peter (31 July 2024). "Castleford Tigers 'support' ex-Leeds Rhinos ace's Australia move ambition says coach". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
6. "Squad to take on the Leopards". Castleford Tigers. 30 July 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
7. Harber, Tony (16 September 2024). "Castleford Tigers boss Craig Lingard excited by development of teenage trio". Wakefield Express. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
8. "Lingard reveals Matvejev debut". BBC Radio Leeds. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
9. Walker, Callum (16 September 2024). "Castleford Tigers make unique piece of history in away defeat at St Helens". TotalRL. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
10. Harby, Chris (13 September 2024). "Saints close in on play-off spot with Cas victory". BBC Sport. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
11. Mitchell, Ollie (20 September 2024). "'Soft' Castleford Tigers have desire questioned by coach". Serious About Rugby League. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
12. "Giants end Super League season with Tigers rout". BBC Sport. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.