Akim Matvejev

Last updated
Akim Matvejev
Personal information
Full nameAkim Matvejev
Born (2006-06-29) 29 June 2006 (age 19)
Tallinn, Estonia
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Playing information
Position Prop
Club
YearsTeamPldTGFGP
2024– Castleford Tigers 20000
2025Rochdale Hornets (loan)00000
Total20000
Source: [1] [2]
As of 7 August 2025

Akim Matvejev (born 29 June 2006) is an Estonian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop forward for the Rochdale Hornets in the RFL League 1, on loan from Castleford Tigers in the Super League.

Contents

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

Castleford Tigers

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]

Rochdale Hornets (loan)

On 7 August 2025 it was reported that he had signed for Rochdale Hornets in the RFL League 1 on loan for the remainder of the 2025 season [13]

References

  1. "Player Summary: Akim Matvejev". Rugby League Records. Rugby League Record Keepers Club. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  2. "Akim Matvejev - Playing Career". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
  3. 1 2 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.
  13. Louis Chapman Coombe (7 Aug 2025). "Castleford Tigers quarter make League 1 moves as destinations confirmed". Love Rugby League.