Suliasi Vunivalu, a talented winger from Fiji, has recently signed with La Rochelle, a prominent French Top 14 rugby club. The 28-year-old made the move to rugby union from rugby league in 2021, joining the Queensland Reds after a successful stint with the Melbourne Storm. His quick transition was met with recognition, earning him a spot on the Wallabies squad.
Vunivalu was part of Eddie Jones’ World Cup roster in 2023, contributing as a substitute during the tournament, but has not received a call-up since Joe Schmidt became the new head coach. He expressed enthusiasm for his rugby journey, stating that he has gained considerable knowledge and is eager to advance his career in France.
“This is a good opportunity because traveling with rugby has been one of my goals from the start,” Vunivalu shared, highlighting his excitement about the next chapter of his professional life.
Upon joining La Rochelle, Vunivalu will reconnect with his World Cup teammate Will Skelton. The club is notable for its recent success, having won the European Rugby Champions Cup consecutively in 2022 and 2023. Vunivalu’s impressive track record includes 18 tries in just 40 appearances for the Reds, but competition for places has intensified, particularly with the emergence of young talent like Tim Ryan.
Vunivalu’s move further enriches the diverse talent pool at La Rochelle, where several other Fijian players are currently making their mark, including Levani Botia and Simeli Daunivucu.
This transition not only presents Vunivalu with new opportunities in a competitive environment but also showcases his determination to evolve as a player in a different rugby culture. Fans and supporters will be excited to see how he navigates this new chapter in his career.
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