Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has officially signed popular Flying Fijians loosehead prop Peni Ravai on a full-term contract.
Ravai, who has made 50 appearances for the Flying Fijians and scored five tries, has also accumulated 27 Super Rugby caps with the Queensland Reds, scoring three times.
The Tailevu native played a crucial role in the national team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, helping them reach the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years.
Highly respected by both coaches and teammates, Ravai has experience playing for Southland in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup, Aurillac in France’s Pro D2, and Bordeaux-Bègles and Clermont Auvergne in France’s Top 14.
He also holds the distinction of being Fiji’s first international prop to play international 7s rugby for the country in 2013. Later that year, he was recruited into the national 15s side, making his debut off the bench at hooker against Romania.
Expressing his excitement about joining the Fijian Drua, Ravai stated, “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.” He added that he looks forward to contributing his experience and knowledge to help the younger Drua squad perform consistently, and to learn more from the club as the season progresses.
Ravai will join the Fijian Drua after the conclusion of the 2024 Flying Fijians campaigns.