Fijian worldwide Ben Volavola has signed with the Queensland Reds for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, with the Australia-born playmaker set to regain Wallabies eligibility in 9 months’ time.
Volavola has performed greater than 200 video games {of professional} rugby, together with stints with three different Tremendous Rugby golf equipment. After debuting for the NSW Waratahs in 2013, Volavola went on to play seven matches for the Crusaders and 11 for the Melbourne Rebels.
In 38 appearances for the Flying Fijians, Volavola went to the 2015 and 2019 Males’s Rugby World Cups, and stays eligible to play for the staff – for now. The 34-year-old may probably swimsuit up for the Wallabies if the Flying Fijians don’t choose the fly-half within the subsequent 12 months
Volavola final represented Fiji on August 5, 2023, after they defeated Japan 35-12. The utility again has since hung out in France’s Pro D2 with Agen in England’s Premiership with Leicester Tigers, enjoying 10 video games final season below former Wallabies boss Michael Cheika.
“The most important purpose I discovered the Reds so interesting is believing that they’ve a squad that may problem for some silverware,” Volavola stated in a press release.
“With a two-year-old son, the attraction of getting again to Australia and being surrounded by household is interesting as effectively.
“To play worldwide rugby once more and get myself to a Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027 is certainly an ambition. That may be a long-term aim that I’m very impressed and pushed to do.
“Even being in Europe, I attempted to remain updated with Tremendous Rugby through YouTube highlights. Seeing how the Reds play the sport is without doubt one of the issues that excites me,” Volavola added.
“There’s a run-the-ball mentality however a wise kicking sport and spectacular work by the forwards combined into that attacking id.
“Enjoying below ‘Cheik’ at Leicester reinvigorated my sport. It was a blessing,” he added.
“I’ve performed fly-half, fullback and centre in Europe. You get chucked into the centres and it helps you develop into a greater 10 or playmaker since you higher perceive how your outdoors males just like the ball delivered.”
Volavola has confirmed himself a dependable possibility for groups all over the world as a fly-half, inside centre or fullback. The Reds recruit was typically used as an influence participant off the bench by the Tigers final season, however began three matches at No. 10 within the Premiership Rugby Cup.
With code-hopping Wallaby Carter Gordon lately placing pen to paper on a long-term take care of the Reds, the competitors for the beginning fly-half function subsequent season shall be fierce, with Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips additionally vying for that spot.
“The flexibility to play a number of positions is a very sturdy attribute inside our Reds squad,” Kiss stated.
“Ben has expertise on the high stage in a number of positions, he’s a confirmed kicker and his earlier seasons in Tremendous Rugby will maintain him in good stead. He shall be a helpful and skilled voice round our youthful backs.”
