Bristol fans can breathe a little easier over Kalaveti Ravouvou injury

Kalaveti Ravouvou is only expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks with the leg injury that he picked up in Fiji’s 45-29 win over Canada in last weekend’s Pacific Nations Cup semi-final.

Ravouvou, one of the most destructive runners in the Gallagher PREM, started at inside-centre for the Fijians, partnering former Bristol centre Virimi Vakatawa.

Playing with a heavily strapped left leg, the 28-year-old lasted 55 minutes, making just three carries, before being replaced by Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Most of Ravouvou’s work was in defence, his tally of 11 tackles only being bettered by one of his teammates.

The Fiji Rugby Union have since confirmed Ravouvou will play no part in this weekend’s final against Japan, announcing via social media that his place in the squad has been taken by Seta Tamanivalu.

The nature and the severity of the injury has yet to be officially disclosed, RugbyPass understands Ravouvou has suffered minor knee ligament damage and is currently rehabbing the injury with the Fijian backroom team in Japan.

Ravouvou was not due to arrive back in Bristol under after the Bears’ opening PREM fixture away to Sale Sharks on 26 September, and if the predicted timesacle for his recovery is correct, the 94kg back would appear to be a doubt for the home clash with champions Northampton the following week.

However, Bears fans could still see him in action before the next Test window opens in November for the second phase of the Nations Championship, potentially for the trip to Saracens in round three, on 10 October.

It will come as some relief to Bears fans, worried that their small squad will once again be overly stretched by injuries, that Ravouvou won’t be sidelined for an extended period.

After a strong start to the 2025/26 season, Bristol’s play-off challenge fell away in the second half of the campaign following several injuries to frontline players and the events of the past few weeks have led to them fearing a repeat.

Ravouvou joins an ever-growing injury list, which includes Noah Heward (knee), Joe Batley (ankle), Max Lahiff (foot), Harry Thacker (neck) and Matias Moroni (facial injury).