Experienced Fijian utility back, Ben Volavola has signed a one-year deal to play with the Queensland Reds in 2026.
The Reds says Volavola's versatility to contribute as a flyhalf, inside centre or fullback makes him a valuable addition as a backline utility player with his top-level experience in all three positions.
34 year old Volavola is delighted to link with the Reds to continue a career that has seen him play more than 200 games professionally and represent Fiji at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
He played 10 games last season with English club Leicester Tigers where longer-term ambitions were reignited under his former NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika.
He remains available for Fiji and his Australian eligibility will be reactivated next year as well.
Volavola says the biggest reason he found the Reds so appealing is believing that they have a squad that can challenge for some silverware.
He says with a two-year-old son, the attraction of getting back to Australia and being surrounded by family is appealing as well.
Volavola says to play international rugby again and get himself to a Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027 is definitely an ambition.
The Australian-born Volavola was schooled in Sydney where he broke into the Waratahs in 2013 before embarking on a rugby journey with clubs in New Zealand, France and England plus playing 38 Tests for Fiji.
He is no stranger to the demands of Super Rugby with 26 appearances during stints for the Waratahs, Crusaders (2016) and Melbourne Rebels (2017).
Reds Head Coach Les Kiss is upbeat about securing Volavola for the club's 2026 squad.
He says the ability to play multiple positions is a really strong attribute within the Reds squad.
