Super Rugby Pacific: Fiji front-row Peni Ravai joins the Reds

The Reds have bolstered their forward stocks ahead of the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season by signing Fijian international Peni Ravai on a one-year contract.

An experienced prop, who has made 36 appearances at Test level for his country, Ravai’s ability to play both sides of the scrum is set to boost the Reds’ front-row depth after they lost the services of Harry Hoopert and Taniela Tupou due to long-term injuries.

Ravai made his international debut for Fiji in 2013 and has been plying his trade at Top 14 outfit Clermont Auvergne since 2020 before making the move to the Reds.

“I’m excited to have signed with the Reds,” the 32-year-old told the Reds’ official website. “It’s a great squad at the club and there’s plenty of competition for spots in the front-row.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the team in my first season of Super Rugby.”

International experience and versatility

The Reds’ general manager – professional rugby Sam Cordingley said: “Peni brings international experience and versatility which is a great combination given we’ve had two season-ending injuries to our front row during the international season.”

Ravai initially made his debut for the Fijian Sevens team in 2013, before making his international bow in the 15-a-side game later that same year against Romania.

He has experienced Australian rugby after playing for the Greater Sydney Rams in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) in 2014, before joining Southland in New Zealand’s National Pronvincial Championship (NPC) in 2016.

Ravai then headed to France in 2017 where he played for Pro D2 side Aurillac before moving up to the Top 14 with Bordeaux-Begles later that year and eventually Clermont in 2020.

He represented Fiji at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, and is the first Fijian international prop to also play for the country in Sevens.

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