Ravai joins Reds

FLYING Fijian Peni Ravai has bolstered the Queensland Reds prop stocks for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, signing on a one-year deal.

The 32-year old brings 36-matches of Test Rugby experience to Ballymore, with his ability to play both sides of the scrum boosting Queensland’s front row depth after long-term injuries to Harry Hoopert

and Taniela Tupou.

Ravai, who debuted for Fiji in 2013, has been plying his trade for Clermont in the French Top 14 before making the move to Queensland.

Ravai said: “I’m excited to have signed with the Reds. 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.”

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 debuted for the Fijian 7s team in 2013, before making his international debut in the XVman game the same year against Romania. he played in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) for the

Greater Sydney Rams in 2014, before moving to Southland to play in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship in 2016.

The front rower then took his talents to France, playing for Division Two side Aurillac before making the jump to the Top 14 with Bordeaux and Clermont between 2017 and 2021. He represented Fiji in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, and is the first Fijian international prop to also represent the country in sevens.