Akim Matvejev
Estonian rugby league footballer (born 2006)
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Akim Matvejev (born 29 June 2006) is an Estonian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a prop forward for the Batley Bulldogs in the RFL Championship, on a season-long loan from the Castleford Tigers in the Super League.
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Akim Matvejev | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 29 June 2006 Tallinn, Estonia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Prop | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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As of 28 January 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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]
Batley Bulldogs (loan)
On 28 January 2026 it was reported that he had signed for Batley Bulldogs in the RFL Championship on loan for the remainder of the 2026 season[14]