Waratahs sign Fiji international, Sevens medalist Mesu Kunavula

Wed, Nov 15, 2023, 12:32 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Mesu Kunavula has signed with the Waratahs for 2024. Photo: Getty Images
Mesu Kunavula has signed with the Waratahs for 2024. Photo: Getty Images

The NSW Waratahs have secured the signing of Fijian International and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Mesu Kunavula on a one-year deal.

Kunavula makes the move from French club Brive, where he played nine games in 2022-23.

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The 28-year-old started his career with the Sevens program, debuting in Dubai in 2016.

He would go on to play at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, winning a silver medal on the Gold Coast before making the shift to the 15-a-side game.

Impressive outings with Scottish club Edinburgh saw Kunavula named for his Fiji debut against Georgia in 2020.

The six-Test international was excited to test themselves and compete for positions against the likes of Wallaby Langi Gleeson, Lachlan Swinton and Charlie Gamble.

“I want to thank Darren and the coaching staff for giving me a chance and a new opportunity to play for the famous Waratahs," he said in a statement.

“Being in Sydney also takes me closer to my family in Fiji and I'm excited to have landed in Sydney, ready to train hard and hopefully get the opportunity to play for the Waratahs in Super Rugby."

It continues the Fijian connection at the club, who recently signed rugby league international Vuate Karawalevu

Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman is confident Kunavula can make a real impact as they prepare for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific.

“We are excited about the prospect of what Mesu can bring to our team," he said.

"He's a player with a hugely exciting skillset that we feel will complement our other backrowers.

“While he has an imposing physical presence, he has a keen sense of his surroundings, an ability to offload the ball. The back 5 of our scrum, depth-wise, will be a strong point and Mesu will have to train hard and play well to get his share of playing time."

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