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'Super Sefa' the latest Wallaby set to jump Aussie ship - reports


Sefa Naivalu
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Sefa Naivalu is the latest Wallaby set to make the switch to European rugby.

The Fijian born winger has apparently signed for Stade Francais and will arrive following the Rugby World Cup in Japan – according to Midi Olympique.

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The 6’1, 101kg wing has played eight Tests for the Wallabies, and is in the first weeks of his inaugural season with the Queensland Reds, having signed from the Melbourne Rebels.

It’s a blow for the Wallabies – post World Cup at least – as Naivalu has been in fine form, scoring five tries in nine games. According to Midi, he’s signed a two and half year contract.

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One of the original NRC stars, Naivalu became the first Dewar Shield player to sign for the Melbourne Rebels. He overcame a broken leg in 2015 to push his claims for national selection with five tries for the Rebels in as many games at the back end of the tournament.

In 2016 Naivalu won his first Test cap off the bench against to South Africa in Pretoria. He picked up a further five Test caps over the rest of the season including his first start against France in Paris.

In 2017 Naivalu scored two tries before he suffered an ankle injury in his lone Test against Italy at Brisbane. On his return to rugby with the Melbourne Rising in the NRC Naivalu was forced off with a shoulder injury that subsequently required surgery to end any hope he had of featuring in the remainder of The Rugby Championship or the Spring Tour.

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Last month he made his Queensland Reds debut from the left wing following his transfer from the Rebels.

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Phantom 1 hour ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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