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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.
