Ben Volavola facts for kids
![]() Volavola in 2019.
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Date of birth | 13 January 1991 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Place of birth | Sydney, Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Height | 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weight | 91 kg (201 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Notable relative(s) | Peni Volavola (grandfather) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Children | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ben Volavola (born on January 13, 1991) is a talented Fijian Australian rugby union player. He has played for many teams around the world. Most recently, he played for Leicester Tigers in England.
Ben has also played for teams in France, like Agen, Bordeaux Bègles, Racing 92, and Perpignan. In the Super Rugby competition, he played for the Waratahs, Crusaders, and the Rebels. Ben usually plays as a fly-half or full back.
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Ben Volavola's Early Life
Ben Volavola was born in Sydney, Australia. When he was one year old, he moved to Fiji with his Fijian parents. He lived there until he was eight. In 2000, he returned to Sydney with his mother and younger brother.
Ben's family background is interesting. His mother's family is Fijian. His father's family is Indo-Fijian. His grandfather, Ratu Peni Volavola, was once the Mayor of Suva. His grandmother, Vasiti Mea Naqova, was a netball player for Suva.
School and Studies
When Ben came back to Australia, he went to several schools. These included St George Christian School, Endeavour Sports High School, and Newington College. After high school, he continued his education. In 2012, he earned certificates in fitness. He also completed a Business Diploma.
Ben Volavola's Rugby Journey
Ben's rugby career started strong. His great play for Southern Districts helped him join the Waratahs team. He also played for the Australian Under 20 team in 2011.
Playing for the Crusaders
In 2016, Ben joined the Crusaders team. He signed a two-year contract with them. This move also meant he could play for the Fiji national team. He was excited to join Fiji for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Ben wanted to wear the number 10 jersey for Fiji. This jersey was famously worn by his hero, Nicky Little. His parents, Dinesh Shankar and Ema Volavola, fully supported his choice to play for Fiji.
International Debut for Fiji
Ben made his debut for Fiji in 2015. He played against the Māori All Blacks. This match was considered a full test game.
He then started as the fly-half for Fiji against Tonga. In that game, he scored 15 points. These points came from three conversions and three penalties.
Rugby World Cup 2015
Ben was chosen for Fiji's 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup 2015. This big tournament was held in England and Wales. He played in all four of Fiji's matches.
Fiji played against tough teams like England, Australia, and Wales. They lost these matches. However, Fiji won their last game against Uruguay with a score of 45–17.
Time with Melbourne Rebels
In January 2017, Ben signed with another Australian team, the Melbourne Rebels. He played for them for one season before moving on.
Playing Rugby in Europe
After playing in Australia and New Zealand, Ben moved to Europe. In October 2017, he signed with Bordeaux Bègles, a French club. He joined his Fijian teammate Peni Ravai there.
In June 2018, Ben moved to his second French club, Racing 92. He helped the team as a backup player.
On May 10, 2020, Ben signed with Perpignan. He played for them during the 2020–21 season.
Most recently, on August 26, 2024, Ben signed with Leicester Tigers in England. He played for one season and made 10 appearances before leaving the club.
Ben Volavola's Personal Life
Ben Volavola married Kristine Phipps on June 24, 2022. Their wedding took place in Sydney, Australia. They welcomed a son in 2023.
See also
In Spanish: Ben Volavola para niños