Ole Avei

Ole Avei (born 13 June 1983 in Wellington, New Zealand) is a retired Samoan International Rugby Union player, who most recently played hooker with Soyaux-Angouleme in the French Pro D2.

Avei began his professional career in 2005 with the Queensland Reds, making his first Super 14 debut in 2006, against the Chiefs in Hamilton. He then went on to play for Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup in 2008, and in 2010, he signed in France with the Union Bordeaux Bègles for 2 years, extending his contract for a rare 5-year deal over offers from several top clubs, including current champions Stade Toulousain (Toulouse).

Avei made his International debut for Samoa in the 2011 Pacific Nations Cup, in the match against Japan on 2 July 2011. He was then selected to represent Samoa in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Clubs 2005–08: Queensland Reds (Super 14) 2008–10: Waikato (NPC), Chiefs (WTG) 2010- Nov 2017: Union Bordeaux Begles (Pro D2 and Top 14) Dec 2017- 2019: Racing 92 (Top 14) 2019-2023 : Soyaux Angoulême XV Charente (Pro D2)