‘It’s the right time’: Why axed Wallaby has joined French powerhouse

Axed Wallabies winger Suliasi Vunivalu flew to Paris on Thursday, drawing the curtain on his Australian rugby career for now by inking a deal with powerhouse French club La Rochelle effective immediately.

The former Melbourne Storm flyer has been released from the final year of his deal with the Queensland Reds, having fallen down the club – and nation’s – pecking order in 2024.

It confirms speculation Vunivalu would link up with the Top 14 juggernaut - winners of the European Champions Cup in 2022 and 2023 - and he will spend the rest of the 2024-25 season on France’s west coast.

Suli Vunivalu debuted against England.Credit: AP

Vunivalu, who scored 18 tries in his 39 Super Rugby appearances, paid tribute to the Reds and declared his Wallabies stint one of the highlights in a football career which included an NRL premiership victory.

While there reports suggesting a return to rugby league could be on the cards, the 28-year-old said it had long been his ambition to ply his trade overseas.

“I’ve really enjoyed coming over to rugby from rugby league. I’ve learnt so much and want to take it further in France,” Vunivalu said.

“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.”

Despite featuring prominently in the ill-fated Eddie Jones era, when he played seven Tests for Australia, Vunivalu was eventually relegated to Queensland’s bench this year in favour of breakout rookie Tim Ryan and Mac Grealy, who has since departed for the Western Force.

Tim Ryan’s incredible debut season forced his way into the Reds’ starting side, with Suliasi Vunivalu reverting to the bench.Credit: Getty

He was not chosen by new Australia coach Joe Schmidt for either the Wallabies or Australia A squads for their Spring Tour, and the Reds accepted Vunivalu’s request to explore his options, with their wing stocks strong following the recruitment of Test star Filipo Daugunu and former Melbourne Rebel Lachlan Anderson.

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

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

At La Rochelle, Vunivalu will link up with former Wallabies skipper Will Skelton, who hopes to return to Australian colours in 2025.

Vunivalu’s absence could present a permanent chance for Ryan to push for a Test debut, with the rookie flyer already discussed for a Wallabies berth in the near future.

The 21-year-old, who has still only started in six Super Rugby games, burst onto the scene this year, ultimately displacing the more experienced Vunivalu on the back of two hat-tricks.

A syndesmosis injury has kept the young star from featuring since the Reds clash in Tonga, and given the Reds’ strong recruitment, Ryan - who signed a two-year deal in September - was refusing to rest on his laurels.

“We’ll just keep developing my game because people might break down my game and find out stuff,” Ryan said.

“As long as I’m keeping developing and keeping a cool head I don’t see why I can’t improve.”