Mata'afa remains a Knight!

2 hours ago

2 min read

York Knights are delighted that full-back Toa Mata’afa has re-signed with the club on a two year contract, thanks to support from Squad Builder!

The 29-year old Samoan will go into his third season at York in 2027.

He initially joined during 2025 after two seasons playing France, first with Baroudeur de Pia and then FC Lezigan. He’d previously been with North Sydney Bears in the New South Wales Cup in Australia.

After scoring two tries on debut in a 58-8 win over Hunslet at the LNER Community Stadium, he made 19 appearances that year for York, scoring 12 tries as they went on to win the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup and the Betfred Championship League Leaders’ Shield.

Despite missing part of last season because of injury, Mata’afa made 23 appearances and scored two tries in the club’s first year in Betfred Super League, with two more appearances and a try in the Betfred Challenge Cup.

On remaining a Knight for another two seasons, Mata’afa said: “Extending my time here at York was an easy decision, the excitement around what we’re building here off last years season is something I want to be a part of."

Head coach, Mark Applegarth is delighted to retain Mata’afa.

“I’m really delighted we got Toa on a two year extension,” he said.

“He started the season on fire then got that really nasty injury with that dislocated elbow. How he came back as early as he did is commendable to Toa.

“Toa can be anything he wants to be. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

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