Seta Tamanivalu

Former All Blacks, Seta Tamanivalu named in Flying Fijians squad

Tamanivalu is the first Fijian player to join the Flying Fijians following the change in World Rugby eligibility rules in November 2021.

The squad also includes 16 players from the Fijian Drua, who will feature alongside other Super Rugby Pacific and Europe-based stars for their country.

“It’s very exciting and a real honour for us to present the first Flying Fijians squad of 2022 to the Fijian people”, Flying Fijians  Coach, Vern Cotter said.

Tamanivalu would jump at Flying Fijians rugby switch

Players can switch their international allegiance by participating in Olympic sevens qualifying events, provided they have a passport for a second country and have completed a stand down period of at least three three years.

Tamanivalu moved to New Zealand as a teenager to attend Saint Kentigern College, before going on to represent the Chiefs and Crusaders in Super Rugby.

Tamanivalu played three tests for the All Blacks in 2016 but said he would love the chance to represent his Fijian heritage.

Tamanivalu joins exodus to Europe

Bordeaux revealed the news on their club website on Thursday (NZ time), with Tamanivalu making the move at the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season on a three-year contract.

Confirmation of the shift for the 25-year-old, who has five All Blacks caps, came just a day after it was announced Chiefs midfielder Charlie Ngatai had signed with another French club, Lyon.

Tamanivalu turns down Chiefs

Powerful utility back Tamanivalu had been chased by Colin Cooper about a move back to Hamilton, confirming he had spoken to the incoming Chiefs coach on the phone.

However, the three-test All Black has decided to spend a second season with the Crusaders and said it was a relatively straight-forward decision when he thought about how much he has been enjoying this first year with the team.
 
"I have been loving playing for this team and learning from the coaches and players around me.

Crusaders hot for Southern derby

Official records note the Crusaders beat the Brumbies in the competition's opening weekend, but the reality is the magnificent charge that has led to them equalling the 2002 champion side's effort of 13 straight victories began in that second round fixture in Dunedin on March 4.

Time might heal some wounds but for those south of the Waitaki River, the memory of the Crusaders screaming back from a 21-point deficit to stun the Highlanders 30-27 at Forsyth Barr Stadium must sting.

Crusaders confirm Tamanivalu signing

The 24-year-old, who made his international debut this year in the three-match Test series with Wales, is part of the All Blacks squad for Sunday's Rugby Championship match against Argentina.

Tamanivalu is now looking ahead to a new challenge after two years with Chiefs.