Queensland Reds winger Sefa Naivalu has joined Australia’s post-World Cup European exodus, with French club Stade Francais announcing he has signed a three-year deal.
The Fiji-born 27-year-old has made 10 appearances for the Wallabies, scoring five tries, but has struggled to hold down a regular spot in Michael Cheika’s side since debuting against South Africa in 2016.
He came off the bench in Australia’s most recent international against England in November.
Naivalu joins Nick Phipps, Adam Coleman and Rory Arnold as Wallabies who’ve announced they’ll head to Europe after the World Cup in Japan.
Curtis Rona and Sam Carter are also planning to head overseas after the tournament.
Naivalu joined the Reds this year after four Super Rugby seasons with the Melbourne Rebels.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yep and good luck to him
MitchO
Guest
Sefa has had some injuries. That has gotta put your career in perspective. He's a good player and looked pretty good at 13 when he got an opportunity there. So he may not play Wallabies after 2019 but he'll go somewhere in the world and do something good.
Russ
Guest
And the limited Folau for 4 years right ? Tahs seem to be doing ok. Only losing the old useless scrumhalf Phipps ( Gordon replaces him ) and 1 test dud Rona. Seems like Dempsey Robertson Hanigan Simmons Foley Kepu Hooper Folau Beale Latu Gordon Hunt AAC Holloway HJH and Fitzpatrick will form the Bulk of the Wallabies moving forward.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I believe he actually played a comparable number of matches to the number Wilkinson and Giteau played over the season, albeit he was often at fullback rather than flyhalf.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Probably right. Does that make the Reds Dumber or Dumber? He has been an absolute shining light for them ?????
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Wasn't he "rotated out ?
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Yeah, I agree if he goes overseas, Japan will probably be where he goes. I can see him staying in Melbourne though. I guess time will tell.
Bluesfan
Japan - less stressful rugby, which allows you to play rugby late into your 30's and only 8 odd hours flight away from Brisbane. Think that's why K.Read has picked it as his destination. Also what happens when Qld stop paying his salary and Rebels have to pay normal amount - assume that will create salary cap issues - especially with Toomua ariving shortly.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
As I’ve heard ‘dropped’ is misleading. ‘Rotated’ is more accurate.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yes Rhys , absolutely. Don't blame the bloke at all. Got a few test matches, increased his value to others, gave his absilurw loyalty to the Green and Gold and us cashing out. He no doubt saw the writing in the wall but it us frustrating to see another one leave Aussie rugby. Suppose we shouldn't be critical of any player at any stage seeking his 'Piece of Eight".
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Yeah imagine that, a 27 year old, 9 test winger deciding to take a gazillion dollar payday in France, rather than sticking around on a relative pittance in Australia before he slows down and isn't worth nearly as much. You wouldn't read about it, that Thorn must be driving em off in droves.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Duncan P is also going isn't he?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Coleman is actually not a huge shock. He turns 28 this year but has only been playing professionally for 5 years and probably only making decent money the last 2. Wouldn’t be surprised if he makes big money and comes back for 2022. I think the Rebels are better off keeping Philip and Jones and ensuring Coleman’s money helps keep 2 more players like those two.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
In fairness Sefa is just using them as a stopover. Was probably always going
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Gee players are leaving Reds and Thorn big time. He might be the next one.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
He was dropped over there. No wonder he wasn't happy
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I don’t think Quade would leave if he’s enjoying his rugby in Melbourne, given he allegedly didn’t enjoy France so much?
Armchair Sportsfan
Roar Rookie
I know there’s an exodus of aussie players coming, but dont worry everyone….RA’s got Hooper signed-up until 2045…so we’re all good….
Bluesfan
Similiar to the exodus from NZ. However where NZ have pretty capable replacements, reality is that Oz U20 have being poor last couple of years, which indicate the troops coming through are not as good as quality as the players leaving. Have to wonder how long Beale, Genia, Cooper and Foley will hang around post WC - which will leave a bit of a whole in the 9 & 10 position. Know that there has being talk of bringing back Nick White - but on comparision in quality vs Genia - who is WC.
Geoffrey
Guest
Lukhan is playing his last year in Red this year. Kerevi Duncan Higginbotham and now Naivalu are also going.