Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi is set to potentially play for the Flying Fijians after joining French club RC Vannes. The 27-year-old’s previous aim was to play for the All Blacks while contracted with the Hurricanes, but his move to France releases him from that commitment.
In an April interview, Rayasi expressed his willingness to play for the Flying Fijians if approached. His father, Filipe Rayasi, played 13 Test matches for the Flying Fijians.
Rayasi has a distinguished record, having played 51 games for the Hurricanes, 33 as a starter, and scoring 30 tries in Super Rugby. Additionally, he played for Auckland in the NPC, scoring 40 tries in 52 matches. His athletic prowess and scoring ability have earned him multiple selections for the New Zealand rugby 7s team. Rayasi’s two-season commitment to RC Vannes marks his first international experience.