By Coventry Rugby 
Coventry Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of Api Bavadra, an exciting and dynamic back who brings international pedigree, elite sevens experience, and a powerful playing style to the club ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Following the announcement of our 2025/26 squad in May, Alex Rae and the club have continued to work diligently behind the scenes to further strengthen an already exciting team ahead of the upcoming season.
Discussing the club’s approach in May, Alex said:
“Definitely, we have still got two or three more left to do. We are just biding our time and speaking to people. We want to make sure we get the right people in, so yeah, I am really happy to get the majority of everything done early because that allows breathing room to be selective and wait and see who comes in.”
Api’s rugby journey began in the rugby-rich islands of Fiji, where he first laced up his boots at age 15. Representing Queen Victoria School, he quickly made an impression playing in the Under 16 and Under 17 teams between 2016 and 2017.
In mid-2017, Bavadra moved to the UK, settling in Gateshead near Newcastle. He was welcomed by the local rugby community, turning out for Gateshead RFC and Gateshead College. His early promise was recognised by Newcastle Falcons, where he featured in several matches for the U18 side during the same year.
Bavadra’s talents earned him a scholarship to Bishop Burton College (2018–2020), where he played BUCS 1st XV rugby while still a college student. His performances in the 15s game also opened doors to the sevens circuit. Between 2018 and 2019, he played on the UK sevens scene with the Akuma Agents and was invited for a trial with England Sevens in 2019.
That same year, he was selected to represent England Men’s Sevens at the Paris Sevens, launching an impressive international career.
Following his time at Bishop Burton, Api went on to Leeds Beckett University from 2020 to 2022, where he continued his development at a high-performance level. He played two seasons for the University’s 1st XV, further honing his skillset in a competitive BUCS Super Rugby environment.
From 2022 to 2025, Bavadra became a full-time professional with England and later GB Sevens. During his time on the World Series, he represented his country at some of the biggest tournaments on the global stage – including the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the 2022 Rugby Sevens World Cup in South Africa. Since the formation of GB Sevens, Bavadra has remained a consistent and valued member of the squad, showcasing his electric pace, strong defence, and instinctive attacking flair.
Now, Api is ready for a new challenge, bringing his international sevens experience into the 15-a-side arena with Coventry Rugby. Known for his versatility, physicality, and work ethic, he is expected to make a significant impact at Butts Park Arena as we continue to strengthen our squad ready for the revamped Champ rugby league for the 2025/26 season.
Head Coach Alex Rae expressed his excitement about the signing and highlighted Bavadra’s hunger to play for Coventry:
“It’s great to welcome Api to Coventry from GB7s. We’re really excited to begin working with him and seeing him make his mark in 15s. He’s a big, powerful man with great soft skills. What really stood out was his hunger to do well in 15s with Coventry.”
Bavadra says he is looking forward to a new challenge in rugby union and to what Coventry has to offer:
“Now I’m looking for a new challenge on the rugby pitch, this time in the 15s game. I know Cov is a great club both on and off the field, and I can’t wait to start this new journey with them.”
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