Fijian Sevens youngster Mesulame Kunavula has signed for Edinburgh on a long-term deal the Scottish club have confirmed.
The 22-year-old visited the club earlier in the year ahead of a potential move and has now made the switch from Sevens to the 15’s fold.
Speaking ahead of the move Kunavula admitted that Viliame Mata had a big role to play in his decision.
“I’m delighted to start the next chapter of my career in Edinburgh. Viliame [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,” he said.
Kunavula is known for his ability to beat players and his offloads which head coach Richard Cockerill noted while welcoming him to the club.
“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. 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 15’s environment and we’re really hopeful that he can be a big player for us in the seasons to come,” he said.
Kunavula became a key component of the Fijian team that claimed the Sevens Series this year and is versatile, being able to play anywhere along the back five as well as both flanker and lock.
With Mata being named PRO 14 Player of the Season for 2018/19, he may have competition from within his own club now for individual honours, all of which points towards a bright future for Edinburgh fans.
