Peceli Yato

Peceli Yato is a Fijian rugby union player known for his strong performances as a flanker in the Top 14 and for the Fiji national team. After representing Fiji at the IRB Junior World Championship in 2013, Peceli Yato’s formidable skills attracted the attention of French club ASM Clermont Auvergne, leading to his signing as an espoir in the same year. He made his Top 14 debut for Clermont as a substitute in January 2014 against Bayonne RC. Demonstrating immediate impact, Yato played 10 matches during the 2014-15 Top 14 season, scoring an impressive 7 tries, including two against Stade Français.

He contributed significantly to Clermont’s major team successes, including winning the prestigious Top 14 title in 2017. Peceli Yato continued to be a key figure in Clermont’s success, securing the Challenge Cup victory in 2019. He again proudly represented Fiji in the Rugby World Cup in Japan during the same year, showcasing his talent on the global stage. Throughout his tenure with Clermont, he was also instrumental in the teams that were runners-up in both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup on two separate occasions, demonstrating sustained high-level performance in European competitions.

His dedication to Clermont was further marked when he played his 100th Top 14 game for the club during the 2020-21 season. Beyond his extensive domestic league play, Yato has also participated in over 20 European matches for Clermont, further underscoring his experience and reliability in elite rugby. His consistent impactful performances for ASM Clermont Auvergne and the Fiji national team highlight his professional commitment and a career defined by significant club victories and international representation at rugby’s highest levels.