Sireli Maqala, the Fijian centre for Aviron Bayonnais, has made headlines by extending his contract with the club until 2030, marking the longest possible duration for a professional rugby player in France. Since joining Bayonne in 2021, Maqala played a pivotal role in the team’s promotion from Pro D2 to the Top 14, contributing significantly with his performance.
In the latest season, Maqala was a consistent presence on the field, starting in all 20 matches and scoring 11 tries, making him one of the top scorers in the championship alongside players such as Baptiste Couilloud from Lyon. He is also an Olympic gold medallist, showcasing his exceptional talent on the global stage as part of Fiji’s triumphant rugby sevens team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
During his tenure at Bayonne, Maqala’s contributions have bolstered the team’s competitive spirit in the Top 14. In the 2022-2023 season, he showcased impressive statistics, starting 19 of the 20 games and helping the team achieve 11 wins, eight draws, and just one loss. This season, while the team faced tougher competition, he maintained his status as a valuable player.
Maqala’s ongoing performance has solidified his reputation not only as a key player for Bayonne but also as a significant representative of Fijian rugby talent on the international stage. His recent selection for the Flying Fijians squad facing the Wallabies and Scotland in the July Tests demonstrates his integral role in the national team as well.
The success of Maqala and the rising prominence of Fijian players in the global rugby arena bodes well for the sport’s future and serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes from Fiji and beyond. The excitement among fans for Maqala’s journey and Bayonne’s performance remains high as they look forward to more thrilling moments in the league.
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