Akim Matvejev

Akim Matvejev is an Estonian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a forward for Batley Bulldogs in the RFL Championship, on season-long loan from the Castleford Tigers in the Super League.

Background

Matvejev was born in Tallinn, Estonia. He moved with his family to England in 2012.
He studied at Bruntcliffe Academy and Leeds [College of Building].
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.

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

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

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