Suliasi Vunivalu’s time in Australian rugby is up for now.
The flying winger arrived in Australian rugby with big fanfare and pay cheque to match but after seven Tests and 40 games for Queensland Reds, he’s leaving to join Will Skelton at La Rochelle in France.
Vunivalu made his debut under Dave Rennie but neither that coach, nor Eddie Jones who took him to the World Cup, ever found a secure spot for a player who too often found himself on the periphery of games.
Even Jones’ brandishing of a cattle prod at the pre-World Cup meeting with players couldn’t give Vunivalu the jolt he needed and he was ignored by Joe Schmidt this year.
While Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has made a perfect start to his rugby union transition, Vunivalu will stand as a cautionary tale that proves not every NRL star will find the going easy in rugby.
Suliasi Vunivalu poses during the Australian Wallabies 2022 team headshots session on June 24, 2022 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images for Rugby Australia)
Vunivalu’s new deal with one of the powerhouse clubs of Europe will keep him in rugby and start immediately in the 2024-25 season in France.
It might be seen as a case of Vunivalu failing upwards. La Rochelle won back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cups in 2022 and 2023.
Vunivalu, 28, played four seasons with the Reds since his debut in 2021. He scored 18 tries in 39 Super Rugby games and a 2022 outing against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.
Vunivalu has been granted a release by Rugby Australia and the QRU to pursue the opportunity overseas.
Reds head coach Les Kiss said in a statement that Vunivalu had been a positive influence at the club.
“Since my arrival at the Reds, Suli has been a complete pro and nothing but a giver in our locker room,” Kiss said.
“It will be a loss to the program.
“His qualities were really appreciated. In his quiet way, he really helped young wingers like Tim Ryan in his development.”
Vunivalu struggled with injuries early in his transition and was unable to put together consistent game time.
“I’ve really enjoyed coming over to rugby from rugby league,” Vunivalu 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.
“A lot of people have helped me since changing codes, coaches, fellow players, trainers and the physios when I’ve been injured. I’m grateful.
“I’ve made some lifelong friends through rugby.
“I enjoy the game and this is a good decision for me…and my family.
“I wish the Reds, and the teammates I’ve played with, nothing but the best in 2025.”
Kiss meanwhile thanked departing squad members, Floyd Aubrey, who is heading to rugby league, and Taine Roiri.
“Floyd has worn the Reds jersey with pride. It’s great to see him develop into a fine young man having started at the Reds when he was 19,” Kiss said.
“It’s good to see him get his next opportunity already
.”Taine was discovered through our pathway Challenger Series. Despite a few injuries, he has shown the qualities to keep rising in rugby. He takes with him our best wishes for his next venture.”
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