Bristol Bears have signed powerhouse centre Kalaveti Ravouvou, from the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby. The Fiji international will be joining the Bears ahead of their 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season, and is expected to replace the departing Semi Radradra, upon his upcoming move to Lyon.
Ravouvou was a part of the inugural Super Rugby season for the Fijian Drua, who formed ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition. Along with Moana Pasifika, these two Pacific Island sides were introduced to further build the domestic rugby programmes in the region, and retain players from moving abroad.
Scoring what was considered the best try of the 2022 Super Rugby season, Ravouvou made his mark against the Chiefs. After Vinaya Habosi’s pick up on his own try line, the left winger broke through four defenders, before off-loading to Ravouvou. The centre then exploded through a double tackle attempt and charged to the line, as the Chiefs defenders frantically back-peddled to stop him.
Ravouvou impressed the Fijian national set-up and was selected to play in last year’s Pacific Nations Cup, which was won by Samoa. The 24-year-old was also called-up to what was then Vern Cotter’s squad, for the 2022 Autumn Internationals. Ravouvou was selected to take on Scotland and Ireland, and even scored in the 35-17 defeat in Dublin.
Pat Lam’s side currently sit at bottom of the Gallagher Premiership, and despite the star quality in their squad, have been struggling to get off the mark this season. With expected departures in the summer, and inconsistency in the Bristol number 12 jersey this season, Ravouvou is certainly getting Bristol fans excited for his arrival.
Bristol Bears set to confirm five huge departures with Semi Radradra leaving
Bristol Bears boss Pat Lam is preparing for a clearcut at Ashton Gate as he looks to release funds to improve his underperforming squad.
The Bears currently sit rock bottom of the Premiership, and big improvement will be expected for the 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership season.
Due to the constraints of the salary cap, they’ll have to let a number of stars leave the club in a bid to refresh the squad.
#1. Semi Radradra to Lyon
Following the departure of Joshua Tuisova at Racing 92 next season, Lyon wanted a high-level replacement.
According to reports in France, Radradra has accepted an offer of around £500,000 per season for two years.
A total agreement was found between the two parties. A pre-contract has been signed, which means after four seasons in England in Bristol, the Fijian X factor will return to the Top 14.
