Rugby Australia and Queensland Rugby are proud to announce Suliasi Vunvialu has re-signed through to the end of 2025.
Wallaby number 954, Vunivalu is highly motivated to add to his one Test cap so far, which he earned against England in July last year.
Hampered by injury at the start of his return to Rugby Union, the dynamic winger has worked hard to remain on the field in 2023 for the Queensland Reds and was rewarded when selected in Eddie Jones’ first camp squad in April this year ahead of the World Cup in France.
The flying winger has scored 15 tries in his first 26 games for the Reds, debuting in the 15-player game in 2021 after a stellar rugby league career with the Melbourne Storm.
Born in Suva, Vunivalu attended Auckland Rugby nursery Saint Kentigern College and played in the Blues Academy system before turning his attention to rugby league.
Vunivalu won two premierships with Melbourne in 2017 and 2020, scoring a prolific 86 tries in 111 games in the NRL.
Despite the injury issues, the 27-year-old has shown glimpses of his vast potential since switching codes, and is pushing for World Cup selection after featuring in ten games of Queensland’s Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific campaign this season.
Wallabies and Queensland Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu said: “I’m enjoying my time in Rugby.”
“I’ve learned plenty with the Reds and Wallabies and know there’s a long way to go If I want to achieve my goals.
“We’ve got a great group of players and staff at Ballymore. I’m enjoying working alongside them every day.
“It’s an exciting year for the Wallabies with the World Cup. I’m doing everything I can to be a part of it after the Super Rugby season.”
Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones said: “Suli has the potential to be a Test match winner.”
“I’m really pleased how he’s been progressing through Super Rugby and even happier that he’s committed his future to Queensland and the Wallabies.”
Reds General Manager – Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley said: “We’ve been impressed with Suli’s progress over the last three seasons. He is a really popular member of the group.”
“He is improving game by game and has plenty more to offer for the Reds and Wallabies.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him continue and push for higher honours over the next two seasons.”
Position: Winger
Height: 192cm
Weight: 99kg
Date of Birth: 27/11/1995
Place of Birth: Suva, Fiji
Test debut: 2022 v England in Sydney
Test caps: 1
Super Rugby debut: 2021 v Melbourne Rebels in Brisbane
Super Rugby caps: 25
Wallabies v South Africa, 5:05pm SAST/1:05am AEST, Saturday 8 July at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Wallabies v Argentina, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 15 July at CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 29 July at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v New Zealand, 2:35pm NZST/12:35pm AEST Saturday 5 August at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
