Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has announced the signing of 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, is a seasoned player with significant experience in the game.
Ravai also has 27 Super Rugby caps with the Queensland Reds, where he scored three tries. The Tailevu native was instrumental in helping the national team reach the quarterfinals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
Throughout his career, Ravai has played in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup for Southland, France’s Pro D2 for Aurillac, and France’s Top 14 for Bordeaux-Bègles and Clermont Auvergne. Notably, Ravai became the first Fijian international prop to play both 7s and 15s rugby for Fiji, making his debut against Romania in 2013.
Expressing his excitement about joining the Fijian Drua, Ravai said, “I am thrilled to be going back home where my rugby journey began. Representing my family and country in Super Rugby Pacific is a dream. I aim to share my experience and knowledge of the game with the younger Drua squad, helping them perform consistently. Additionally, I look forward to learning from the Club as the season progresses.”
Ravai is set to join the Fijian Drua after the conclusion of the 2024 Flying Fijians campaigns.