The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has announced the signing of popular Flying Fijians loosehead prop Peni Ravai on a full-term contract.
Ravai has made 50 appearances for the Flying Fijians and scored five tries in the white jersey.
He has also accumulated 27 Super Rugby caps with the Queensland Reds, scoring three tries during his tenure with the team.
The Tailevu native played a pivotal role in the national team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years.
Ravai is highly regarded by coaches and teammates alike.
He has previously played for Southland in the Mitre 10 Cup in New Zealand, Aurillac in France’s Pro D2 (12 matches, 3 tries), and 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 in 2013.
He was then recruited to the national 15s side in the same year, making his debut off the bench at hooker against Romania.
Ravai expressed his excitement about joining the Fijian Drua, stating, “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 will join the Fijian Drua at the conclusion of the 2024 Flying Fijians campaigns.