Rugby Australia and the Queensland Rugby Union are excited to announce Suliasi Vunivalu has re-signed with Australian Rugby for 2023.
The former NRL star made his Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific debut last season and has gone on to score seven tries in his first 15 games for the Queensland Reds.
A superstar athlete, the 26-year-old has been hampered by injury since returning the XV-man game but showed strong form this year to be named in his first ever Wallabies squad for the upcoming eToro England Series next month.
Born in Suva, Fiji, Vunivalu moved to New Zealand at 16 to play Rugby at Auckland’s St Kentigern College and was part of the Blues Academy squad before moving to Melbourne to link up with the Storm U20s side.
He joined the Reds in 2021 after an accomplished rugby league career with the Melbourne Storm where he won two NRL premierships.
Known for his finishing ability and electric pace, Vunivalu will push his claims for a Test debut next month.
Wallabies squad member and Queensland Reds winger, Suliasi Vunivalu said: “I’m really excited to re-sign with Queensland and Australian Rugby."
“I’m enjoying my time at Ballymore with the Reds. I’ve made a lot of good friends here and I have enjoyed learning from someone who also has experience in both codes in Brad Thorn.
“I still have a lot to learn, but Queensland is the best place for me to reach the next level.
“Playing in a World Cup for Australia was a big reason I made the move to Rugby last year and I’ll be doing my best to hopefully achieve that goal.
“I’m looking forward to learning more over the next few months in Wallabies camp and taking that back to the Reds in 2023.”
Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said: "Having Suli re-sign is a massive positive for all supporters of Australian Rugby."
"He's an incredible athlete with huge potential and having him in the Wallabies squad is only going to accelerate his development.
"His ability in the air is phenomenal and we've been impressed with his work ethic and desire to improve all areas of his game."
Reds General Manager – Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley said: "Suli is a very popular member of the Reds squad and it was pleasing to see his form being rewarded with Wallaby squad selection.
"It is great news for the Reds and Wallabies that he has extended through 2023."
Position: Wing
Height: 192cm
Weight: 99kg
Date of Birth: 27/11/1995
Place of birth: Suva, Fiji
Super Rugby debut: 2021 v Melbourne Rebels, Suncorp Stadium
Super Rugby caps: 15
Wallabies v England, Saturday 2 July, 5:55pm AWST/7:55pm AEST at Optus Stadium, Perth
Wallabies v England, Saturday 9 July, 7:55pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wallabies v England, Saturday 16 July, 7:55pm AEST at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Tickets available to the eToro July England Series now at wallabies.rugby/tickets.
