Dual NRL Premiership winner and ex-Wallaby signs with European giants

Two-time NRL Premiership winner and former Wallabies winger Suliasi Vunivalu is leaving Australian rugby after committing to a deal with European powerhouse La Rochelle, which starts immediately in the 2024/25 season in France’s Top 14.

Vunivalu played seven Tests for the Wallabies and 40 matches for the Queensland Reds after switching codes from rugby league. The speedster had enjoyed a distinguished stint with the Melbourne Storm before making a headline-grabbing switch to the 15-player game.

The 28-year-old debuted for the Reds in 2021 and went on to play four seasons for the club based out of Ballymore in Brisbane. Vunivalu scored 18 tries for Queensland during that period, which included a double in last year’s Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final against the Chiefs.

But, Vunivalu will venture out on a new journey after signing with Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle, who are currently in third place on the Top 14 ladder after nine matches. The French juggernauts won back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cups in 2022 and 2023.

Vunivalu was not included in the Reds’ squad for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season when that was revealed on Tuesday, with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union granting the speedster a release to take up this opportunity abroad.

“Since my arrival at the Reds, Suli has been a complete pro and nothing but a giver in our locker room,” coach Les Kiss said in a statement.

“It will be a loss to the program.

“His qualities were really appreciated. In his quiet way, he really helped young wingers like Tom Ryan in his development.”

Vunivalu debuted in Wallaby gold on July 16, 2022, when the Wallabies played Eddie Jones’ England at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The No. 23 came off the pine with about four minutes left as a replacement for utility Reece Hodge.

Years later, coach Jones took over the Wallabies’ top job and ended up picking Vunivalu in the squad for the Rugby World Cup in France. Vunivalu came off the bench in all four pool matches, which included one try in the agonising loss to Fiji in Saint-Etienne.

Reds coach Kiss selected Vunivalu in the team’s run-on side nine times in 2024 which goes to show the winger was still highly regarded in Australia. But after four seasons with the Reds and a Rugby World Cup with Australia, the man himself is looking forward to what lies ahead.

“I’ve really enjoyed coming over to rugby from rugby league,” Vunivalu reflected. “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.”

The Reds have also farewelled 2024 squad members Floyd Aubrey 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,” coach 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.”