Flying Fijians loosehead prop Peni Ravai has signed a full-term contract with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.
The club announced the signing yesterday after months of speculation.
Ravai has made 50 appearances for the Flying Fijians and scored five tries in the white jumper. He also has 27 Super Rugby caps with the Queensland Reds, scoring three tries.
“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,” Ravai said while speaking to the franchise.
He was a key member of the national team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 16 years.
Ravai has previously played for Southland in the Mitre 10 Cup in New Zealand, Aurillac in France’s Pro D2 (12 matches, three tries), Bordeaux-Bègles and Clermont Auvergne in France’s Top 14.
The experienced front-rower is also Fiji’s first international prop to play international 7s rugby for the country (2013).
He was then recruited into the national 15s side in the same year and made his debut off the bench at hooker against Romania.
Ravai will join the Drua at the conclusion of the 2024 Flying Fijians campaigns.