Australia international Sefa Naivalu switches to Queensland Reds from Rebels

Queensland Reds have confirmed the signing of Australian international Sefa Naivalu from Super Rugby rivals Melbourne Rebels ahead of the 2019 season.

Naivalu made his professional rugby debut with Melbourne Rising in 2014 and progressed to their Super Rugby side a year later. His signing for Rebels was done by then head coach Tony McGahan, who is now the Reds Academy head coach.

The 26-year-old is looking forward to the opportunity of playing in Brisbane and make it to the 2019 World Cup squad of the Wallabies.

“I’m very excited to go up there and play with a bunch of Rugby players who have the potential of getting the job done,” said Naivalu.

“Brad Thorn is a well known rugby player and I’m looking forward to working with him and learning more off him.

“I just need to keep working hard and taking opportunities and execute how the coaches want me to execute and hopefully I get selected for the World Cup next year.”

Naivalu made his debut for Australia in 2016 and has so far featured in 10 Tests in which he scored five tries. He was also part of the side that faced England in the final game of their November series at Twickenham Stadium.

“Sefa’s a good guy, he brings maturity and experience at the highest level. We look forward to seeing him further his Rugby career at Queensland," said Reds head coach Thorn.