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From one potent finisher to another, Chris Ashton says he gets more excited about watching Kalaveti Ravouvou than any other Premiership player.
From one potent finisher to another, Chris Ashton says he gets more excited about watching Kalaveti Ravouvou than any other Premiership player.
Bristol Bears' Fijian flyer has taken to the English top flight like a duck to water since his move from Fijian Drua, possessing an ever-growing highlight reel of mesmerising flair.
TNT Sports commentator Ashton had more clubs in his time than Tiger Woods, but what can't be disputed is his eye for the try-line.
Game recognises game
While the Premiership's record try scorer never had the silky skills Ravouvou has, he can recognise a world-class wing when he sees one.
Ravouvou's audacious offload against Leicester Tigers last weekend will be remembered by Premiership fans for decades, but it's not just his assists that have created headlines. A strike rate of nine in nine so far this season is a record even Ashton would be proud of.
The league has lost some of its biggest stars in recent years, with Courtney Lawes, Jack Nowell and Owen Farrell favouring a move to France, but Ravouvou's dynamism has lit up the Premiership.
Ashton and the rugby community are ready for plenty more standout moments.
He told All Things Rugby: "I absolutely love watching Ravouvou, especially alongside (Gabriel) Ibitoye. They have such a great partnership, and they make people tune into the league. They have been so good this season, creating tries out of stuff that we'd never seen before. It's a reason to turn the TV on when you see players like Ibitoye and Ravouvou. I'm sure this weekend, Ravouvou's pretty desperate to get back out there and show people what he's about again."
Backstory
Having started his career at Namosi Rugby, the 26-year-old, who was born in Nadroga-Navosa, has been able to play centre or wing with equal aplomb since and has gone on to win six caps for Fiji since making his debut in 2022.
The former prison officer lit up Super Rugby Pacific from 2022-23 with three tries in 12 appearances, showcasing his renowned Fijian flair.
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