Lovejoy Chawatama

Lovejoy Tinotenda Chawatama (26 August 1992) is a Zimbabwean rugby union player who plays for Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby competition.

Club career

Beckenham RFC Moving to England at 15 from Zimbabwe, Chawatama joined his local club Beckenham RFC where he was mentored by former Wasps player Dan Leek.

Bridgwater & Albion RFC He joined Bridgwater & Albion after being convinced by his university coach ex-England tighthead Darren Crompton who was also coaching down there. At the time he was playing as a back-rower but he was told his height would prevent him from reaching the highest level of the game and that a move to the front row was the only way to fulfil his aspirations.

London Scottish F.C. He joined London Scottish 2014, making his debut against Jersey Reds coming off the bench.

Clifton While at London Scottish, he went on loan to Clifton to get more game time.

London Welsh He joined rival Championship side London Welsh, however after only 10 matches he left mid-season to join London Irish.

In 2023 London Irish was suspended from the Premiership and Premiership Rugby Cup after failing to prove they have the finances to operate in the 2023/24 campaign.

Harlequins Chawatama joined Harlequins before the 2023/24 season after being out of contract from London Irish.

Bristol Bears On 3 April 2024, Chawatama would sign for Premiership rivals Bristol Bears from the 2024–25 season.

Honours

London Irish

RFU Championship - 2016–17, 2018–19 Premiership Rugby Cup (runners up) - 2021–22, 2022–23

Personal

2017 Zimbabwe Sports Personality of the Year