Edinburgh signs Fiji Sevens star Mesulame Kunavula on long-term deal

Edinburgh have secured the signing of Fiji Sevens star Mesulame Kunavula on a long-term deal ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Born in Tailevu, Kunavula is from the same village as his Fiji team-mate Viliame Mata and has represented Fiji Under 20 team early in his career. He also represented the Fiji Sevens squad during the Commonwealth Games in 2018 where his side finished second after losing the final to New Zealand.

"Mesu really stood out during his time representing Fiji on the Sevens circuit and his ability to beat a man, as well as offload in the tackle are really world class," said Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill.

"We have been looking at adding players who offer something different - that bit of x-factor - and I certainly think Mesu brings that dynamic to an already talented squad.

"Like Bill before him, we're really looking forward to seeing how he can develop in a 15s environment and we're really hopeful that he can be a big player for us in the seasons to come."

Kunavula expressed delight on his new association with Edinburgh as he looks for a transformation from the sevens format to enhance his career further.

"I'm delighted to start the next chapter of my career in Edinburgh. Bill Mata is a good friend of mine and he has told me so much about the club and life in Scotland.

"I've really enjoyed my time on the Sevens circuit, but I felt it was the right time to move abroad and develop my own game further. The facilities in Edinburgh are world class and I'm only going to improve as a player.

"I'm really looking forward to getting involved in pre-season and representing this club for the years to come."