| Lovejoy Chawatama | |
| Fullname: | Lovejoy Tinotenda Chawatama |
| Birth Date: | 26 August 1992 |
| Birth Place: | Harare, Zimbabwe |
| Height: | 1790NaN0 |
| Weight: | 1160NaN0 |
| University: | University of West England |
| Position: | Tighthead Prop |
| Currentclub: | Harlequins |
| Youthyears1: | 2007-2010 |
| Youthclubs1: | Beckenham RFC |
| Years1: | 2010-2012 |
| Clubs1: | Beckenham RFC |
| Apps1: | ?? |
| Points1: | ?? |
| Years2: | 2012-2014 |
| Clubs2: | Bridgwater & Albion |
| Apps2: | ?? |
| Points2: | ?? |
| Years3: | 2014-2015 |
| Clubs3: | London Scottish |
| Apps3: | 4 |
| Points3: | 0 |
| Years4: | 2014-2015 |
| Clubs4: | →Clifton (loan) |
| Apps4: | 12 |
| Points4: | 0 |
| Years5: | 2015-2016 |
| Apps5: | 28 |
| Points5: | 5 |
| Years6: | 2016-2017 |
| Clubs6: | London Welsh |
| Apps6: | 10 |
| Points6: | 0 |
| Years7: | 2017-2023 |
| Clubs7: | London Irish |
| Apps7: | 94 |
| Points7: | 15 |
| Years8: | 2023-2024 |
| Clubs8: | Harlequins |
| Points8: | 0 |
| Apps8: | 5 |
| Years9: | 2024- |
| Clubs9: | Bristol Bears |
| Points9: | 0 |
| Apps9: | 0 |
| Repyears2: | 2014 |
| Repteam2: | England Students |
| Repcaps2: | 4 |
| Reppoints2: | 0 |
| Repyears1: | 2012 |
| Repteam1: | Kent under-20 |
| Repcaps1: | ?? |
| Reppoints1: | ?? |
| Clubupdate: | 30 November 2023 |
| Repupdate: | 21 July 2023 |
Lovejoy Tinotenda Chawatama (26 August 1992) is a Zimbabwean rugby union player who plays for Bristol Bears in the Premiership Rugby competition.[1] [2] [3]
Moving to England at 15 from Zimbabwe, Chawatama joined his local club Beckenham RFC where he was mentored by former Wasps player Dan Leek.[4] [5]
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.[6] [7]
He joined London Scottish 2014, making his debut against Jersey Reds coming off the bench.
While at London Scottish, he went on loan to Clifton to get more game time.[8]
He joined rival Championship side London Welsh, however after only 10 matches he left mid-season to join London Irish.
Joining London Irish during the 2016-17 season he went on to win promotion with the Sunbury-on-Thames side to the Premiership. During the 2020-21 season, Chawatama reached the 50-appearance milestone for London Irish as he enjoyed a stellar season in the green jersey, making 18 appearances in all competitions.[9]
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.
Chawatama joined Harlequins before the 2023/24 season after being out of contract from London Irish.[10]
On 3 April 2024, Chawatama would sign for Premiership rivals Bristol Bears from the 2024-25 season.[11]