A Castleford Tigers forward has joined the Championship for the 2026 season, in a bid to find more consistent game time.
Akim Matvejev made his senior debut in 2024, in defeat to St Helens, and went on to make one more appearance that campaign.
Though he didn’t feature in the Tigers’ first-team in 2025, he did spend time on loan at both Workington Town and Rochdale Hornets, where he featured once for each club.
The 6’3 forward will now join Batley Bulldogs for the upcoming campaign, and will link up with James Ford’s squad ahead of their round two clash with Halifax this weekend.
Matvejev is in a contract year with Castleford, though it doesn’t seem that he will get to earn his stripes playing for the club.
That being said, a solid season at the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium could see his future in the sport sealed, be that under Ryan Carr at the Tigers or elsewhere.
Commenting on the move, Tigers Director of Rugby, Chris Chester, said: “It’s a good opportunity for Akim to gain some valuable experience at a top Championship club.”
Castleford Tigers prop joins Batley Bulldogs on-loan
Whilst Matvejev is by no means a first-team regular at this stage, letting a prop leave when there is already a shortage could be a decision they later U-turn on.
Renouf Atoni and George Lawler look to be the starters, whilst Brad Singleton, Brock Greacen and Jack Ashworth looks to provide depth. The club have invested heavily in the backs, and the forward pack could be a weak point for Castleford across the year.
For Batley though, the move bodes in with their recruitment through the off-season, and that is making sure the core of the team are young guns, with experienced bodies making up the rest of the side.
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✍️ AKIM MATVEJEV JOINS ON A SEASON LONG LOAN!
We are delighted to confirm the season-long loan signing of young front-rower Akim Matvejev from Castleford Tigers.
Akim is a product of the Tigers’ Academy and made his top-flight debut against St Helens in 2024. He spent last… pic.twitter.com/a2AIFQbrzm
— Batley Bulldogs RLFC (@BatleyRLFC) January 28, 2026
