Ospreys finally get paid after legal threat to Aviva Premiership club over star's transfer fee

The Ospreys have finally received Josh Matavesi’s transfer fee in full from Newcastle Falcons.

The Welsh region had threatened the Aviva Premieship club with legal action, claiming there was money overdue on the £150,000 deal that took the Fijian World Cup man to the north of England with a year left on his contract in Swansea.

It is understood the amount outstanding was in the region of £80,000.

A statutory demand was issued, a step that could ultimately have led to High Court proceedings which could have had serious consequences for the Falcons.

Indeed, a failure to settle an adverse judgement within three weeks of serving notice leaves the creditor with the option of deciding whether to petition for bankruptcy or issue a winding up order.

Josh Matavesi played some of his finest rugby during his stint with the Ospreys (Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Newcastle acknowledged they were “a bit late in paying” the Ospreys before adding that they had worked the situation through with the Welsh region.

Now the matter is done and dusted.

Matavesi played some of the best rugby of his career during his three seasons with the Ospreys, helping them to the Guinness PRO12 semi-finals in his first campaign with the region.