Star winger Suliasi Vunivalu says he's fulfilling an ambition by shifting his career to France after being granted a release by Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds.
The former NRL ace said playing overseas was always a goal and the timing was right to make the code-switch after ticking off a Rugby World Cup.
Vunivalu has linked with leading French club La Rochelle after playing seven Tests for the Wallabies.
He will join World Cup teammate Will Skelton at the powerhouse club, which won back-to-back European Rugby Champions Cups in 2022 and 2023.
“I’ve really enjoyed coming over to rugby from rugby league,” Vunivalu said in a statement.
“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 two-time NRL premiership winner with Melbourne Storm before his high-profile 2021 move, the 28-year-old played four seasons and 40 games for the Queensland Reds.
Vunivalu was used off the bench by former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones at last year's forgettable World Cup as his rugby endeavours in Australia never reached the heights of his Storm career.
After some strong early signs, the Fijian flyer's progress was dented by repeat hamstring issues.
He faced stiff competition for a berth in a stacked Reds team after teenage winger Tim Ryan's emergence last season, and was not part of new coach Joe Schmidt's Wallabies squads or even the Australia A list currently touring Europe.
Queensland coach Les Kiss said Vunivalu, who had one year to run on his contract, had been a positive influence.
“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.”
