The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has confirmed the signing of popular Flying Fijians loosehead prop Peni Ravai on a full-term contract.
Ravai has earned 50 caps for the Flying Fijians and scored five tries in the national jersey. Additionally, he has accumulated 27 Super Rugby appearances with the Queensland Reds, scoring three tries for the team.
Ravai played a crucial role in the national team’s performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years. He is highly respected by both coaches and teammates.
His career has also included stints with Southland in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup, Aurillac in France’s Pro D2 (where he played 12 matches and scored three tries), and Bordeaux-Bègles and Clermont Auvergne in France’s Top 14.
Ravai stands out as Fiji’s first international prop to play international 7’s rugby for the country in 2013 before being recruited into the national 15’s squad that same year, debuting off the bench at hooker against Romania.
Expressing his excitement about joining the Fijian Drua, Ravai said, “I am excited to be going home where my rugby career began. It is a dream to be representing my family and country in Super Rugby Pacific. I want to give back to the younger Drua squad through my experience and knowledge of the game. Helping the players to perform week in, week out will also be a goal. I’m also hoping to learn more from the club as the season progresses.”
Peni Ravai will join the Fijian Drua after the conclusion of the 2024 Flying Fijians campaigns.