Rugby Transfers: Fijian duo make Super Rugby moves and Wallabies prospect's first words on rugby union commitment amid NRL links
Planet Rugby · Louis Chapman Coombe · 2026-08-18T18:34:52+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Rugby Transfers: Fijian duo make Super Rugby moves and Wallabies prospect’s first words on rugby union commitment amid NRL links
Two Fijian stars are headed to Super Rugby for the 2027 season, while a Wallabies prospect has committed his future to rugby union amid interest from the NRL.
Here are all the latest rugby rumours, transfers and contract renewals, in our Super Rugby Pacific special.
Fijian international makes Drua move
Olympic gold medalist and Fijian international Leone Nakarawa will head home for the 2027 Super Rugby season, signing a deal with Fijian Drua.
The 38-year-old forward, who can play both lock and flanker, joins the Drua from Top 14 side Castres, but has also spent time with Glasgow Warriors, Racing 92 and Toulon. He has also become an integral part of the Fiji Test squad, winning 68 caps for his country at the time of writing.
Commenting on signing for Drua, he said: “Looking forward to be playing for the Drua and playing professional and staying Fiji.”
Drua general manager of rugby, Baden Stephenson, added: “Leone is a quality person, quality leader and big game player. We are excited to bring someone of his vast experience into the forward pack.
“It will be very special seeing Leone represent his family, village and country in the Super Rugby competition.”
Also commenting, head coach Brad Mooar said: “This is a big signing for the Drua. He will have a huge impact on and off the field for us every day. His on-field ability and experience is exceptional and suits exactly how we want to play.
“In addition to this, having someone of Leone’s leadership, his knowledge of the game and of the life and habits of a professional sportsman will be a huge benefit for our players to get side by side with Leone and learn from him every day. We’re thrilled to be welcoming Leone and his family into the Drua Vuvale.”
He comes amid a major rebuild of the Drua heading into the 2027 Super Rugby season, with Mooar taking the reins as head coach while former England international and Italy, Ireland and Waratahs assistant coach Mike Catt will lead the attack.
Wallabies prospect Treyvon Pritchard’s first words after committing future to rugby union
Australia U20s back Treyvon Pritchard has expressed his love for rugby union, after rejecting the advances of NRL suitors to re-sign with the Queensland Reds until 2029.
According to reports down under, Pritchard was the subject of interest from both the Papua New Guinea Chiefs and Sydney Roosters, but has since followed brother Kadin in pledging his future to the 15-man game.
Treyvon, 19, made 12 senior appearances for the Queensland Reds in his debut season in 2026, and later went onto represent Australia at the U20 Junior World Championships in Georgia last month. He has also worn the Gold jersey at U18s level.
Commenting on his fresh deal, Pritchard said: “I love rugby union. It’s the sport I’ve played growing up and I want to see where the sport takes me.
“I always wanted to extend and create something long term. The Reds is where I want to be. I want to be part of growing as a team and a nation.
“The hype around Australian Rugby is very exciting with the World Cup next year. For me, it’s also great to see so many good young guys coming through the Reds and all the Super Rugby Pacific clubs.
“Wearing a gold jersey for the Wallabies is definitely an ambition and has been since I joined my first junior club for U12s.
“It is such an honour to represent your country as I’ve been able to do in U18s and U20s. It’s such an emotional experience and you want to do your best for your brothers alongside you.”
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Rugby Australia director of high performance, Peter Horne, added: “We’re delighted Treyvon has committed his future to Australian Rugby and the Queensland Reds.
“He’s clearly a special talent and having been developed through the Australian Rugby pathways, we’re looking forward to continuing to help grow his game and develop him on and off the field.
“We’ll continue to support him through his current injury setback and look forward to seeing him back on the field doing what he does best soon.”
Also commenting, Reds general manager of high performance, Sam Cordingley, said: “I’m sure I can speak on behalf of the entire Queensland Rugby community when I say we are all excited that Treyvon has recommitted to the Reds.
“He has been with us since he was 15 and has developed into one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the Queensland Rugby pathway.
“Securing his future at home is a great outcome for Trey and his family and we look forward to seeing what he achieves in the years ahead.”
Western Force further bolster roster for 2027
Fijian forward Netani Baleisomosomo will head to Western Force for the 2027 Super Rugby season, penning a two-year deal with the Perth-based outfit.
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The 22-year-old back-rower joins the Force from Queensland Hospital Cup club Wests Bulldogs, but has also spent time in the Crusaders set-up as well as playing for Tasman Mako in the NPC.
Commenting on joining the Western Force, Baleisomosomo said: “I’m really excited about this new chapter with the Western Force. I’m ready for a fresh start and a new challenge. This is an exciting opportunity for me.
“I’m looking forward to getting to the club, meeting new people and to keep pushing to get better.
“I’m keen to take the next step in my career and, when speaking to the club, I know the Force will make me a better player. I watched the team last year and it’s a side on the up.”
Force head coach, Simon Cron, added: “We’re really excited to bring Netani across to the Force. Netani brings a big body, dominant ball-carrying and plenty of physicality.
“He’s driven to be successful, fits seamlessly into our playing group and has massive upside as we develop him into a great Super Rugby player.”