Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on potential sevens switch to chase ‘dream’

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii poses during the Wallabies jersey launch for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour at The Royal Botanic Gardens on October 29, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Uncapped Wallabies prospect Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is open to potentially playing sevens at the Los Angeles Olympics. The former Sydney Roosters flyer hasn’t played a minute of professional rugby union yet but was asked about possibly switching codes in 2028.

ADVERTISEMENT

Suaalii is contracted with Rugby Australia until at least 2027. While a move to sevens before the Rugby World Cup on home soil is seemingly out of the question, the possibility of chasing his Olympic “dream” could theoretically keep the prodigal talent in rugby union.

On Tuesday, six members of the Wallabies’ Spring Tour squad helped unveil the team’s jersey for next year’s British and Irish Lions Series. Suaalii was joined by Angus Bell, Max Jorgensen, Fraser McReight, Dylan Pietsch and Allan Alaalatoa at the scenic Bennelong Lawn.

Video Spacer

Video Spacer

Following the formalities of the jersey announcement, these Wallabies fronted the press one by one, with the Opera House within eyeshot as a bonus. Pietsch was up first, followed by McReight and then Suaalii.

Suaalii has been the talk of the town in rugby union since training with NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies players in Canberra earlier this month. But, after being named in the Wallabies’ Spring Tour squad, the 21-year-old has dominated some headlines around the rugby world.

All players were asked about Rugby Australia’s marquee recruit, while Suaalii himself was pressed about switching to union – offering an unwavering sense of self-belief in response. But at the end of the press conference, Suaalii was asked specifically about potentially trying sevens later on.

“Yeah I did, I watched the final for sevens,” Suaalii told reporters when asked about the Olympics.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I feel like (for) every young kid it’s a dream to go to the Olympics. If you’re in school and everything stops for the 100-metre race, or any Aussie that’s going well, I feel like my teacher in school would always stop any moment.

“I remember Jessica Fox coming to school, she won a gold medal, and presented some sports awards. Even the memories kind of sparked something in myself to potentially one day be a dream of mine yeah.”

But, for now, any follow-ups on that are a conversation for another day. Suaalii is firmly focused on what lies ahead with Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies, with the men in gold set to jet off to Europe on Thursday for their enthralling Spring Tour.

Before taking on the British and Irish Lions next year, the Wallabies will play the four teams that make up the representative side. Australia will kick-start their tour against England before facing Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

ADVERTISEMENT

It remains unclear as to what position Suaalii will play if given the chance to play for the Wallabies. But, the one-time State of Origin representative will be in the mix to play against some of the best teams in international rugby.

“I’ve been talking to a lot of the boys and they say the crowds are just next level. I just can’t wait to experience it,” Suaalii said. “If it’s sitting in the crowd or if it’s playing, look, I’m a fan of the sport and I just can’t wait to experience it.

“… I don’t see it as expectations, I see it as kind of a privilege. As a kid, I did go into the camp where I met Kurtley (Beale), Allan (Alaalatoa) was there, James Slipper was there too.

“It’s even cool just to be in a position now to wear the Wallabies jersey and hopefully inspire young kids.”

Louis Rees-Zammit joins Jim Hamilton for the latest episode of Walk the Talk to discuss his move to the NFL. Watch now on RugbyPass TV

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

1 Comment
H
Head high tackle 53 days ago

No doubt the RA 7s program is very keen to pay 2mil a year to him. Geez the quality of reporting is so bad these days.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

129 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Does the next Wallabies coach have to be an Australian? Does the next Wallabies coach have to be an Australian?
Search