Fiji-born rugby star Suliasi Vunivalu, known for his dynamic playing style, has officially signed with La Rochelle, a prominent club in France’s Top 14 league. The 28-year-old winger transitioned to rugby union from rugby league in 2021, joining the Queensland Reds. His impressive performance in his first season led to a call-up to the Wallabies, where he made a notable impact with seven Test appearances and contributed as a bench player in the recent 2023 World Cup.
Despite his early successes, Vunivalu found himself sidelined following the appointment of new Australia coach Joe Schmidt this year. Nevertheless, he expressed enthusiasm about his move to France, emphasizing his desire to further develop his skills and enjoy the travel opportunities that come with playing internationally. “I’ve really enjoyed coming over to rugby from rugby league,” he said. “I’ve learnt so much and want to take it further in France. This is a good opportunity because travelling with rugby has been one of my goals from the start. It’s the right time.”
At La Rochelle, Vunivalu will reunite with World Cup teammate Will Skelton. The club has garnered attention for its recent back-to-back victories in the European Rugby Champions Cups in 2022 and 2023. Vunivalu, a two-time National Rugby League premiership winner with the Melbourne Storm, scored an impressive 18 tries in 40 matches for the Reds, though he faced tough competition for a spot on the team due to the rise of emerging talents like teenage winger Tim Ryan.
In joining La Rochelle, Vunivalu will be among other talented Fijian players, including Levani Botia, Simeli Daunivucu, Tomasi Seru, and Peni Vuetimaiwai, enriching the club’s already diverse roster.
This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Vunivalu, highlighting his resilience and adaptability as he continues to evolve as both a player and a person. As he embarks on this new journey, fans will be eager to see how he harnesses his experience and skills to contribute to La Rochelle’s success in the coming seasons.
Summary: Suliasi Vunivalu has signed with French Top 14 club La Rochelle after a notable stint with the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies. Despite not being selected under the new coach of Australia, Vunivalu is optimistic about taking his skills further in France and reuniting with former teammates while contributing to the club’s success.
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