Fourteen months before the kick-off of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Peni Ravai received the news that he had a neck injury that could end his rugby career.
The 32-year-old was devastated and told he had to retire from the sport on medical grounds, and lost his contract with French Top 14 club Clermont.
But the Tailevu man was determined to play on, and wanted to play in his third World Cup. That’s when he received a call not to throw in the towel just yet and return to Fiji.
“Last year, I was medically retired from rugby. It was hard for me to quit rugby and I told myself one more World Cup would be good,” the tight-head prop said.
“I searched everywhere for someone to give me the green light (to play). And then I got a call from Vern (Cotter, former Fiji coach), manager Willie (Baleinabuli) and Simon (Raiwalui) telling me not to quit.
“It rejuvenated my faith so I went to the Drua for training and the (Queensland Reds) cleared me and I started playing. I got a call again from Simon (Raiwalui) asking if I was happy to join this team. I said yes. One more World Cup would be good.”
As they say, the rest is history. Ravai has a colourful rugby resume.
He grew up playing on the wing and in the centres. When he made it to the provincial level in Fiji, he was told to play in the forwards.
He became Nadroga’s starting prop, and because of his speed, he sometimes played in the backline. Before making it to the Fiji 15s side, he made his international debut in 7s, playing at the 2013 USA Sevens.
He made his Test debut the same year during the end-of-year northern tour and came off the bench as hooker against Romania.
Since then, he has played 44 Test matches, 10 of which are World Cup appearances and the most in the Fiji squad.
