Ravouvou Considered, Radradra Undergoes Knee Surgery

Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter is now considering Swire Shipping Fijian Drua second five-eight Kalaveti Ravouvou for the June Test matches.

This was after Flying Fijians captain and Bristol Bears centre, Semi Radradra is ruled out of the Gallagher Premiership season with a knee injury which required immediate surgery.

Ravouvou has been one of the outstanding players for the Drua in their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

“Ravouvou has impressed also and may be an option with the injury to Radradra,” Cotter told SUNsports on Friday.

Bristol Bears coaching director Pat Lam admitted that this was the reason Radradra‘s surgery was brought forward.

“It was time to get it done ready for next season,” Lam said.

“Semi is having knee surgery this week, that is season-ending for him but it gives him a good chance to rehab, recoup and be ready for the start of next season which is a positive for him.

The beauty about it is it will all be cleaned up and he will be ready for next season.”

Bears, early this morning, snatched a 29-28 win over Gloucester in their Premiership clash.

Tuisue returns

Meanwhile, on the brighter side aggressive Flying Fijians loose forward Albert Tuisue marked his return with a try for London Irish as they romped to a 42-14 win over Newcastle Falcons.

Tuisue’s timely return could bring relieve to the Flying Fijians for the June international engagements since Viliame Mata and Peceli Yato are still down with injuries. Falcons also fielded centre, George Wacokecoke, and halfback Nordli- Kelemeti who is also considered for the Flying Fijians.

Kunavula at No.8

In the United Rugby Championship, Flying Fijians openside flanker, Mesulame Kunavula, was moved back to No.8 while Leeroy Atalifo started at tighthead prop for Edinburgh in their 29-26 win over Zebre, this morning.

Kunavula has been a revelation at No.8 for the Scottish club after stepping in for the injured Viliame Mata.

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