Timoci Tavatavanawai was born and raised in Fiji and played for the Fiji National Under 20 rugby team. He then moved to New Zealand, where in 2021 he made his debut for Tasman in the NPC 

In the same year, he joined both the Crusaders and Highlanders' wider training squad as injury cover. 

In 2022, Tavatavanawai was signed for Moana Pasifika in their inaugural year in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.