Fiji representative Ben Volavola has signed with the Melbourne Rebels for the upcoming 2017 Super Rugby season.
The utility back has previously played in the Super Rugby competition with the Waratahs from 2013 to 2015 for seven caps, and with the Crusaders last year for eight.
Volavola was born in Australia but returned to Fiji at age nine and has played 14 matches for the Fijian national side, including all four of their matches at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The 25-year-old typically plays as either a fly-half or full-back.
The Rebels said they were excited to add a player of Volavola’s talent and experience to their squad ahead of the 2017 season.
“Ben brings a wealth of experience from two successful Super Rugby programs and will provide value to the Melbourne Rebels in his versatility across the backline,” said Baden Stephenson, the Rebels’ Rugby manager.
“He was hungry for another opportunity at this level so we feel that Ben’s talent and drive will be a good fit for the Rebels.”
Volavola said he was glad to get the chance to play for the Rebels.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my career in Melbourne,” said Volavola.
“I’m excited by the chance to grow my game at a club that has a great record for nurturing and developing elite players under head coach Tony McGahan and I look forward to learning from Morgan Turinui.”
Browny
Roar Rookie
I think people are reading too much into this signing. I'm quite happy with it. It's for depth and cover in an area (10/15) that the Rebels are lacking in since the departures of Harris, Hawkins, Asquith, Heggarty, etc. Debreczeni is hardly brimming with confidence of late, there's the halfback Meehan who dabbled at 10 for the Rising in the NRC, promising youngsters McGregor and Maddocks (who apparently had glandular fever late last year so might not be in the frame for a while) and the recent Kiwi signing Garden-Bachop. There's a few guys like Hodge, Placid, Shipperly and English who have played a bit of 15 but I'm not sure any of them would be there by choice.
Jumbo
Guest
Still buying rotten fruit.?
Joe
Roar Rookie
Probably a good utility bench player. After going through the Tah's and Crusaders system he hasn't really shown much improvement which isn't a good sign.
Mal Cornet
Roar Rookie
Good player but not a marque player and agree does nothing to help develop wallabies . Fiji should have its own super team. Reds and force to fight for the spoon again.
Rebellion
Guest
He's not eligible for the Wallabies. A wasted signing if you ask me
Cynical Play
Roar Rookie
Don't miss a chance do you. Fake news from you Rugger.
Sylvester
Guest
Poor signing for the Crusaders so good luck Rebels.
Bakkies
Guest
He was awful in the RWC. Not sure what Matavesi said to offend the coach
Morsie
Guest
I thought Volavola was calm and stable for Fiji, although out of his depth at times. Good signing Rebs.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Coleman is another.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah he sort of seems like he should be better than he is. Hope he does well down there. Debre hasn't cemented the 10 spot, so there's a big chance there.
Rugger
Guest
Was not allowed to develop under Cheika. But that is typical Cheika and Ben is not the only one - ask Lopeti and many others. They were never given a chance with lack of game time.
Rt
Guest
Played well in the Shute shield. Thought he was so-so for the Tahs and good for the crusaders. Ordinary in the World Cup. Needs more regular game time at a higher level.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
I don't remember being incredibly impressed with this guy at the World Cup or in Super Rugby teams, but there are moments there where he demonstrates a lot of potential. Hopefully he can meet that for the Rebels and fill the considerable hole left by Mike Harris.