Josh Navidi (born 30 December 1990) is a Welsh former international rugby union player who played as a flanker and a number eight. Navidi played for Cardiff Rugby and Wales before he retired, being captain of the national team briefly in 2019, and represented the British and Irish Lions on their 2021 tour of South Africa. He has also previously captained Wales U20.
At 16-years-old Navidi moved to Christchurch, New Zealand with his father.[5] While in New Zealand Navidi attended the Catholic boarding school, St Bede's College.[2][3][4] Navidi spent two years there and played in the school's third XV in his first season. In his second season with St Bede's, which the school granted Navidi a scholarship for, he started every game for the first team. The team finished third after losing to the prestigious Hamilton Boys' High School in the National First XV Championship competition,[5] the premier rugby competition for secondary schools in New Zealand.[8] After two years in New Zealand Navidi was offered a place in the Canterbury Academy,[5][4] however Navidi returned to Wales and was given a trial at Cardiff.[5]
In May 2013 Navidi was selected in the Wales national rugby union team 32 man training squad for the summer 2013 tour to Japan.[10] He made his international debut against Japan at openside flanker on 15 June 2013.[11]
Navidi was a squad member at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and played in four matches[12] before a hamstring injury ended his participation in the tournament.
He was called up to the British and Irish Lions squad for the 2021 tour to South Africa following the injury to Justin Tipuric.
