Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce the signing of Fijian international, Tevita Cavubati, until the end of the season.
The 27-year old Tasman Makos second row will provide some much needed cover in the pack, with Lloyd Peers and De Kock Steenkamp both sidelined through long-term injuries that have left Alun Wyn Jones and Rynier Bernardo as the only front line locks available to Steve Tandy.
Cavubati, who met up with his new team-mates at Llandarcy Academy of Sport for the first time this week, made a huge impression for his country against Wales in Cardiff last month in a close fought game that was just edged by the hosts.
Speaking about his move to the region, Cavubati said:
“This is a great opportunity for me and I’m really excited and looking forward to it. Having played against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in the autumn internationals I know what quality players there are at the Ospreys and how Welsh supporters get behind their team. This is a busy time of year in the PRO12 so hopefully I’ll settle in quickly and be able to play a part for the team.”
At 2m tall and weighing 120kg, Cavubati is a physical player known for being abrasive at the contact area and a strong ball carrier. Born in Suva, his brother is ‘Big Bill’ Cavubati, a Hurricanes prop who played 27 times for Fiji between 1995 and 2005. He has played for Tasman Makos since 2012, helping them to this year’s ITM Cup Final where they lost to Taranaki.
Andrew Millward, Rugby General Manager at the Ospreys, said Cavubati’s arrival will provide the region with a timely boost.
“It’s great that we can welcome Tevita to the region at the start of a busy period with some important games coming up” said Millward.
“Unfortunately, with Lloyd Peers having undergone surgery which rules him out for four months and De Kock Steenkamp still out for a few months yet, we are light in the second row with just Alun Wyn and Rynier as specialist locks in the senior squad, and Alun Wyn will be away with Wales for the Six Nations in a month’s time.
“Back row injuries also mean that some of the boys who could provide cover at lock are needed where they are, which means we are very light and reliant on throwing in youngsters which isn’t necessarily the right thing to do for the sake of their long term development.
“Tevita will provide some experience and hard nosed physicality, providing support to Alun Wyn and Rynier, allowing us to continue bringing through the likes of Adam Beard, Rory Thornton, Rhodri Hughes and Matthew Dodd in the right way.”