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Perhaps encouraged by Eddie Jones’ cattle-prod stunt at Wallabies camp, Suliasi Vunvialu has put pen to paper on a new deal through to the end of 2025.
As first reported by The Roar two months ago, Vunivalu has agreed a two-year extension. He had already added one year onto his first contract after leaving the NRL, for this season.
Signed on a huge two-year deal worth upwards of $700,000, Vunivalu took a significant pay reduction to sign that one-year $300,000 extension for this year’s World Cup season ahead of last year’s three-match series against England.
While hampered by injury at the start of his return to rugby union, he has had better luck this season and was named in Eddie Jones’ first camp squad in April.
Vunivalu won two premierships with Melbourne in 2017 and 2020, scoring a 86 tries in 111 games in the NRL. He has 15 in 26 Super Rugby games.
Vunivalu said ins a statement: “I’m enjoying my time in Rugby.
“I’ve learned plenty with the Reds and Wallabies and know there’s a long way to go If I want to achieve my goals.
“We’ve got a great group of players and staff at Ballymore. I’m enjoying working alongside them every day.
“It’s an exciting year for the Wallabies with the World Cup. I’m doing everything I can to be a part of it after the Super Rugby season.”
Jones famously took a cattle-prod to Wallabies camp to shake up Vunivalu. The coach said on Wednesday: “Suli has the potential to be a Test match winner.”
“I’m really pleased how he’s been progressing through Super Rugby and even happier that he’s committed his future to Queensland and the Wallabies.”
Reds General Manager – Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley added: “We’ve been impressed with Suli’s progress over the last three seasons. He is a really popular member of the group.”
“He is improving game by game and has plenty more to offer for the Reds and Wallabies.
“We’re looking forward to seeing him continue and push for higher honours over the next two seasons.”
SANZAAR has issued Harry Wilson a warning after the Queensland Reds star hit out at referee Brendon Pickerill on Monday.
The Wallabies and Reds back-rower slammed SANZAAR’s decision not to come down hard on the Highlanders, after lock Connor Vest broke his neck following a tackle gone wrong during his side’s 35-30 loss.
Vest fell into a tackle in the 30th minute and copped Shannon Frizell’s shoulder to the back of his neck. It came as Highlanders hooker Andrew Makalio chopped Vest’s legs as the Reds lock’s body height dropped significantly as he stumbled into contact.
Vest lay prone on the ground immediately and was treated by medical staff, with the game stopping soon after. The 29-year-old was treated for a couple of minutes before walking off unassisted.
On Wednesday afternoon, following days of criticism from the Reds after the incident was left uncharged along with another high shot to James O’Connor in the 11th minute, SANZAAR hit back and warned Wilson for his comments while also backing Pickerill and the judicary system.
“The review has found that at no stage did the Match Referee, Brendon Pickerill, attempt to hurry the review of the injury or the removal of the Player from the field,” a SANZAAR statement read.
“The comments attributed to Harry Wilson of the Reds in the media are factually incorrect and whilst they may have been well intending in support of a teammate, he has been issued with a reminder that care must be taken with public comments not to impair the public confidence in the integrity of match officials.
“Super Rugby Pacific Match Officials will always provide sufficient time for the treatment of injuries in consultation with Team and Match Day Medical staff to ensure that the appropriate level of care is able to be provided on any occasion. In regards to this incident, at no time was the referee made aware of the seriousness of the players injury or the need for more time or precautions.”
NZ media organisation Stuff had earlier reported officials were “seething and dumbfounded” at the comments Wilson, who had claimed referee Pickerill was “disrespectful” in his treatment of his teammate.
Vest suffered a fractured neck when he came into contact with Frizell’s shoulder and the incident went unpunished by the referee and TMO Glenn Newman.
Wilson said the Reds expected Frizell to be sanctioned for the no-arms tackle.
“For us as a playing group we hope so because rugby’s been really big on the player welfare and there wasn’t much player welfare there with a no-arms tackle to the head,” Wilson told reporters on Monday.
Connor Vest of the Reds charges forward during the round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match between Highlanders and Queensland Reds. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
“Vesty’s broke his neck and, for me, that’s pretty ridiculous.
“On top of that, as a playing group, we were very frustrated with the referee trying to rush him off the field. We thought it was pretty disrespectful for a player, who had just broken his neck to be told to get off the field as if he’s trying to waste time. That was something as a playing group we weren’t too happy with.”
All Blacks Sevens coach Clark Laidlaw is the new coach of the Hurricanes.
Laidlaw replaces Jason Holland, who will be an assistant coach to Scott Robertson with the All Blacks.
Laidlaw, 45, has been in charge of the All Blacks Sevens since 2018, achieving gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, silver at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, gold at the Rugby World Cup sevens in 2018 and World Rugby Sevens titles in 2020 and this year.
He will take up the Hurricanes job after the Super Rugby Pacific season ends.
Former South African rugby player Lukas van Biljon was stabbed repeatedly and his father was shot three times when attacked on their farm.
The controversial former Springboks hooker was allegedly warned if he fought back his children – who were tied up – would be killed, according to the Daily Mail.
The 47-year-old played 13 times for the Springboks but was dropped in 2003 after a nightclub brawl. His family was attacked by six men at the family farm in Oranjeville, Free State Province, South Africa.
His 70-year-old father, Andre, had tried to make a call to fellow farmers for help on a radio but was spotted and was shot three times in the chest and hand and is in a critical condition in hospital.
Lukas van Bijon was stabbed in the chest three times.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.