One of the Gallagher Premiership’s standout stars, Kalaveti Ravouvou, has put pen to paper on a contract extension with Bristol Bears, delighting fans and securing his place as a cornerstone of the club’s future.
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A Rising Star
The 26-year-old centre, who joined from Fijian Drua in the summer of 2023, wasted no time making his mark. With seven tries to his name, Ravouvou lit up the 2024 season, including back-to-back league doubles against Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers.
Record-Breaking Numbers
In the Bears’ historic demolition of Leicester Tigers last month, Ravouvou produced a performance for the ages. Racking up 230 metres with ball in hand – the second-highest in Premiership history – he left 10 defenders in his wake and made 18 thunderous carries.
Fiji’s Midfield Maestro
Capped four times for Fiji, Ravouvou debuted against Ireland during the 2022 Autumn Nations Series and continues to showcase his international pedigree in the Premiership.
What They Said
Pat Lam, Bristol’s Director of Rugby, was full of praise:
“It’s great to see Kala fully settled in the club and the city, which has seen him go from strength to strength since arriving at the Bears. He’s one of the most devastating backs in the competition, and his ability to play across the backline is huge for us with a smaller squad.”
Ravouvou himself couldn’t be happier:
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Bristol so far. The culture, environment, and my teammates make it a special place. The brand of rugby here suits my game perfectly, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”
What’s Next?
With Ravouvou firing on all cylinders and already shortlisted for Premiership Player of the Month, the Bears look set to build their future around this Flying Fijian sensation.
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Owen Farrell hated England teammate, the pair never made up
England fly-half Owen Farrell is never afraid of sharing an opinion or two – especially when it’s about someone he doesn’t particularly like.
#1. Dave Attwood
The Bath lock won the last of his 24 caps for England back in 2016, which could have a lot to do with his relationship with the current England captain.
“He had a bit of a shout at me and went off to the toilet and I followed him.
“We all had a drink or two after the game but we didn’t need to get carried away with this. I was in the urinal behind the door and he was three or four down and as I got in his dad walked in as well, he was coaching at the time. He was, ‘I don’t want to fuckin’ hear it’ or something like that and as he walked out he went to open the door and slam it into the back of me. There was like a stop on the floor so it hit the stop and almost clocked him back…
“We never really addressed it after that. That was where it started and it was like a drunken little bit of argy that went too far. He is an incredibly competitive athlete and he is also very f**kin’ good, he has got high standards. He is a very competitive athlete and in order to be that good, you have to flirt on the wrong side of competitive.
“So whenever we play each other there is always some element in the game where one of us is running at the other one or we are trying to bang each other. There always seems to be an element of that to it. I am sure he is like, I don’t even know that Dave is playing.”
#2. Ryan Wilson
Wilson later revealed he was banned from Twickenham following the incident.
“I remember that game, I was actually injured and after tunnel-gate, after everything that happened in the tunnel against England, I’d lined up a corporate gig at Twickenham,” he recalled to Rugby Pass in November.
“Had it all lined up, a little bit of cash, all excited, only to get a message back saying the RFU have banned you from Twickenham Stadium after everything that happened the year before.
#3. James Haskell
The pair have what we can only describe as a love-hate relationship. As legendary as the ‘best mates’ videos were during the 2016 tour of Australia, Farrell certainly didn’t seem to be enjoying it.
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!
