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Bristol sign ex France international Virimi Vakatawa
By PA
Bristol have pulled off a major coup by tempting former France international Virimi Vakatawa out of retirement.
Fiji-born Vakatawa was forced to walk away from professional rugby last September due to the discovery of a medical issue related to his heart.
Rules in France prevented Vakatawa from continuing to play for Racing 92 and he effectively retired, but last month he featured for Barbarians, who were being coached by Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam.
Lam and Bristol sought the advice of an expert panel of leading sports cardiologists and following an independent review, Vakatawa has signed on a 12-month deal after he was cleared to play in England.
“I’m excited to be joining Bristol Bears and to be continuing my rugby career at the highest level,” Vakatawa told the official club website.
“After working with Pat during my time with the Barbarians, I knew that this was the right place for me and I can’t wait to play in front of the Bristol fans.
“The Premiership has always been an exciting competition, so I’m looking forward to experiencing it this season, and representing the Bears in the Champions Cup.”
Vakatawa, 31, spent more than a decade at Racing before his shock retirement and helped them reach the Champions Cup final in 2018 and 2020.
Bristol director of rugby Lam is excited to see the all-action centre at Ashton Gate.
He added: “I am really pleased to be able to bring a player of Virimi’s class and quality to Bristol and the Gallagher Premiership as it’s exciting for our team, our supporters and our competition.
“I had the privilege of getting to know V better on and off the field recently and it was very clear to me that he would add real value to the Bears and would bring more depth and experience to our backline.
“Virimi is desperate to get back to playing at the highest level. For the Bears to be able to bring in a player of his quality is a huge statement for the Premiership and we’re delighted that he has chosen to continue his rugby journey with us.”
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Latest Comments
"Survive"? "Scare?" A bit dramatic. ABs always going to win, just a matter of by how much.
The Azurri were up for it though. As expected. You can bet they were planning for this specific test for months. Let's not forget they were pipped by ENG, drew with FRA, & beat both SCO & WAL in the Six Nations in Feb/Mar this year.
A mess of a match, good win, considering.
Go to commentsAfter you. And yes, that's exactly what Penney should do. Stat!! Unfortunately he has one year left on his contract.
Penney's Super Rugby win record was a low 23% before we signed him on. At the top was Razor at 84%. And true to form, Penney took us from a 7-peat to not even making the play-offs in ONE season. No excuses. LOSER. Thank God his contract is up next year. And hopefully Rangi might wanna throw his hat in for the job.
In the meantime, hopefully we can crack the top 6 this year in spite of Penney!??!
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