Ravouvou faces three-to-four week absence after knee injury at Pacific Nations Cup

Kalaveti Ravouvou is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks after suffering minor knee ligament damage during Fiji’s 45-29 Pacific Nations Cup semi-final victory over Canada, bringing some relief to Bristol Bears supporters who feared a more serious setback.

The 28-year-old started at inside-centre for Fiji but lasted only 55 minutes, playing with a heavily strapped left leg and making just three carries before being replaced by Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. Despite his limited involvement in attack, Ravouvou contributed 11 tackles — bettered by only one teammate — before being withdrawn.

Fiji Rugby Union have since confirmed Ravouvou will play no part in this weekend’s Pacific Nations Cup final against Japan, with Seta Tamanivalu called up to replace him in the squad. Ravouvou is currently rehabbing with the Fijian backroom team in Japan before returning to Bristol.

The timing creates a tight window for his return to club action. Ravouvou was not due back at Bristol until after the Bears’ opening Premiership fixture away to Sale Sharks on 26 September. If the three-to-four week recovery timeline holds, he is likely to miss the subsequent home clash with reigning champions Northampton, though he could potentially feature for the trip to Saracens in round three on 10 October — before the next international window opens in November for the Nations Championship.

The news arrives against a difficult backdrop for Bristol. Their 2025/26 Premiership campaign faded in the second half after a strong start, with a series of injuries to frontline players undermining their play-off push. Ravouvou now joins a growing casualty list that includes Noah Heward (knee), Joe Batley (ankle), Max Lahiff (foot), Harry Thacker (neck), and Matias Moroni (facial injury).

One of the most destructive ball-carriers in the Premiership, Ravouvou had partnered former Bristol centre Virimi Vakatawa in the Fiji midfield. His absence, while short-term, adds further pressure to a Bears squad that head coach and management will be keen to keep as intact as possible heading into the new season.