The Scottish Rugby coach chatted with Rav Ravutia about the upcoming Scotland V Fiji match at Murrayfield to be played today – Saturday, November 2 with a 5.40pm KO
Scotland international rugby coach Gregor Townsend enjoyed some friendly rivalry as he chatted with a Fijian veteran, whilst launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2024.
The rugby legend was visiting Lady’s Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh when he was introduced to staff member, Fijian national Rav Ravutia, ahead of his side’s Nations Series opener against Fiji on November 2.
Aswell as discussing the upcoming match, Gregor was interested to hear about Rav’s story and how he came to serve in Scotland and later work for Poppyscotland.
Rav, 51, was first introduced to Scotland after visiting the capital with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Band who were invited to perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1998.
Upon returning to his homeland, the following year Rav resigned from the Fijian Army after eight and a half years service and flew to Scotland to sign up for the British Army.
Serving from 1999 to 2023, Rav was a member of the Royal Scots and later the Adjutant General Corps.
After leaving the Army he was a member of the Royal Scots Regimental Association Fijian branch in Edinburgh but found himself unemployed and with a forces disability was unsure where to turn.
With the help of fellow veteran friends, Rav was introduced to Poppyscotland.
Rav said: “Last year I was introduced to the work of Poppyscotland and very quickly was made extremely welcome. That is when I began my new career here as a veteran poppy and wreath maker.
“It is an absolute honour to work for this charity and goes to show just one of the many ways they can help veterans following service.”
Rav continued: “It was great to meet Scotland international coach Mr Townsend as he launched the Poppy Appeal and in particular ahead of Scotland playing my national team Fiji next month. We spoke about my time in the army and of course had some good chat about the rugby. In fact, I asked him to please go soft on Fiji!”
Gregor said: “It was a real privilege to meet the veterans at Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory upon launching the Scottish Poppy Appeal, and great to meet Rav and share some friendly rivalry ahead of our Nations opener with Fiji.
“Every year Poppyscotland supports hundreds of veterans and their families, helping them live life fully after service.
“Show them you care, wear a poppy. Your donation can change lives for our Armed Forces community.”
The Scottish Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s biggest fundraising appeal, with more than three million poppies already being distributed around the country.
The money raised from the Appeal has enabled Poppyscotland to help countless men, women and families with issues linked to their time in the Armed Forces or with struggles adjusting from military to civilian life.People can find out more and support the Scottish Poppy Appeal at www.poppyscotland.org.uk.