NRC: Olympic gold medal winner to star for Rams

Tue, Aug 23, 2016, 2:15 AM
Marty Cambridge
by Marty Cambridge

The Western Sydney Rams have signed Olympic gold medalist Vetemo Ravouvou for the 2016 Buildcorp NRC season.  

Ravouvou won gold with the Fijian Sevens team earlier this month and was unveiled in the Rams squad earlier today.

The Fijian Flyer has represented his nation over 100 times in Sevens and scored 44 tries in the World Series, which the side won in 2014/15 and 2015/16. 

Ravouvou (right) won a gold medal in Rio with the Fijian Sevens. Photo: Getty Images.

The 26-year-old will make his return to the 15-man format and is sure to play a pivotal role as the side looks to improve on 2015 where they finished bottom of the ladder.

In another boost for the Rams, former Wallabies Assistant John Muggleton will take the reins as head coach.

Muggleton has also been the defensive coach at the Melbourne Rebels and will bring a wealth of experience to an otherwise mostly youthful squad.


Former Australian Sevens player Paul Asquith will skipper the squad for season 2016.

The Rams begin their campaign against state rivals Sydney Rays on August 28 at North Sydney Oval.

Squad

Tom Alexander, Rhys Allen, Paul Asquith (c), Aaron Blacklock, Rob Buaserau, Mesake Doge, Scott Gale, Matt Gibbon, Harrison Goddard, Denny Godinet, Fabian Goodall, Ngaruhe Jones, Selesitino Kalounivale, Bradford Kapa, Taunaola Kei, Apolosi Latunipulu, David Lolohea, Mau David Minute, Albert Nikoro, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Jack Payne, Vatemo Ravouvou, Cyril Reece, Hugh Roach, Toupou Sapoaga, Luke Smart, Senio Toleafoa, Jordan Tuapou, Andrew Tuala, Filimone Tufui, Albert Tuisue, Nigel Viala, Tyrone Viiga, Mitch Walton and Waldo Wessels.

Share
Rugby Australia extends major partnership with Defender
The Australian Rugby Foundation has launched the Rugby Future Fund, designed to deliver money back into the game. Photo: Seika Hara/RA Media
Australian Rugby Foundation launches Rugby Future Fund
Lolesio thriving as the Wallabies' vital flyhalf cog
Former league star Joseph Manu will get his first taste of rugby union on Friday. Photo: Getty Images
Cross code star Manu to get first taste of Union in Japan