Pat Lam believes new centre signing Kalaveti Ravouvou has an even higher ceiling to reach and his arrival at Bristol Bears in the summer will help the Fijian international centre achieve it.
Ravouvou will join the Bears from Fijian Drua ahead of 2023/24 campaign having been a breakout star in last seasons' Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The 24-year-old Fijian centre all made his international debut, featuring in the Pacific Nations Cup in the summer and during the Autumn International Series, scoring against Ireland in Dublin.
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Bristol director of rugby Lam, said: “Kalaveti is a hugely exciting signing for the club who is comfortable at both inside and outside centre. At only 24 years of age, he will fit nicely into our team as he brings his powerful, destructive ball-carrying and a well-rounded skillset that really took Super Rugby and international rugby by storm in 2022.
“He is dangerous on both sides of the ball, and we’re excited to help him fulfil his potential and ambitions up here in Europe. I’m confident our supporters will enjoy watching him represent the Bears in the coming seasons.”
Ravouvou arrives with doubt over the Bristol futures of two of the clubs' current midfield options with Fijian star Semi Radradra set to leave the club this summer for Lyon at the end of his contract and Sam Bedlow being chased by his former club Sale Sharks.
Last season Munster's superior financial clout saw the Irish province snap up Antoine Frisch just as he was establishing himself as a first team regular at the Bears.
Ravouvou added: “I’m delighted to have signed for Bristol Bears for the next few seasons.
“They play an attractive brand of rugby which I think will suit me and get the best out of me as a player.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in at the club’s World Class training facilities and contribute to their aspirations and ambitions as a club.”
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