After crossing for 53 tries in 107 appearances for Glasgow Warriors - and he could still add to those stats - the 32-year-old will make the move to US Montauban this summer, but with URC play-offs looming, Matthews' full focus remains on helping the Warriors to another championship.
In Friday night's 40-17 victory over Cardiff Rugby at Scotstoun, Matthews once again showed his trademark finishing ability with a two-try performance as Franco Smith's side climbed back to the top of the URC standings. The brace continued a remarkable scoring record for the hooker, who finished as the league's top try-scorer during Glasgow's title-winning campaign in 2024.
With one regular-season fixture remaining - a trip to Ulster Rugby on Friday night - the Warriors know a bonus point victory in Belfast would secure top spot and strengthen hopes of a home route through the play-offs.
"I think with Stormers drawing, it's put it back in our hands," said Matthews in The Scotsman. "We know we go over there, we do a job, we get five points and we're top of the chart. We can go from there.
"We've got [potentially] four games to go here, and that's where my focus is, and trying to finish the season as a double URC champion, that's what my aim is."
Matthews departs Glasgow having become a hugely popular figure with his work-rate and eye for the try-line helping cement that status mong supporters. Although he still had a year remaining on his contract, the hooker revealed that the opportunity to secure a long-term move abroad was one he could not turn down.
"First of all, I've loved my time in Glasgow. I have to thank them for allowing me to take the opportunity," he said. "I think it was just the length of the contract. Three years gives me a great opportunity to go to France and try and prove myself. I think if you can make it there and make a name for yourself over there, then it's similar to here, I think. You'll be held in high esteem, so that's my objective and something I've always wanted to do."
At Montauban, Matthews will reunite with former Warriors Lewis Bean and Lucio Sordoni, while also experiencing the unique atmosphere of French rugby.
"Whenever you play over there, we've played some big European games, the passion that they show for their team is the closest I've ever come to playing in a football game," he said. "I think that's something I've always wanted to feel and have behind me."
While Matthews is excited for the challenge ahead, he admits saying goodbye to Scotstoun after seven years will not be easy.
"Yeah, it's going to be tough," he said. "I've been here for the last seven years. So I think to say goodbye, I think it's probably going to get harder and harder every week, it's certainly going to be emotional. But we've got four games to go, all being well, and we'll make the most of it."