He has also been a member of the Ottawa Redblacks, BC Lions and Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) After going unselected in the 2015 NFL draft, Tavai signed with the Tennessee Titans on May 11, 2015.

In his first season with the Titans he played in four games and contributed with three defensive tackles, a quarterback sack and forced fumble.

Upon entering free agency on February 11, 2020, Tavai signed with the BC Lions to a one-year contract.

[11] On December 24, 2022 Tavai signed with the Helvetic Guards of the European League of Football.

[13] His uncle, John Schuster is a former rugby union player who represented New Zealand as a member of the All Blacks.