Taqele Naiyaravoro
The Scottish Rugby Union is set to spend a 6-figure fee to sign powerhouse Fijian-born wing Taqele Naiyaravoro, with the aim of making him eligible to play for Scotland after a 3-year residency period.
Naiyaravoro, who has been compared to All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu, declined to comment on reports he had signed with Edinburgh, but Waratahs CEO Greg Harris said the Fijian-born powerhouse had a contractual obligation to the Scottish team.
This clause in the contract states that if the Australians call him up for international duty, he will remain in the Southern Hemisphere.
According to reports in Australia, New South Wales Waratahs wing Naiyaravoro has been allocated to Edinburgh as part of a 3-year deal worth AUS $ 1 million to the 23-year-old.
It is understood that the only way that currently uncapped Naiyaravoro’s move to Scotland can collapse is if Australia decide to select him for the Wallabies.
Naiyaravoro has been likened to the rampaging Lomu as he bumped off tacklers to score a brilliant solo try in Saturday’s Super Rugby loss to Western Force in Perth.
It was his 4th try for the season, making him the Waratahs’ joint top try-scorer with Wallabies wing Rob Horne.
Although the Waratahs said they would like to retain Naiyaravoro’s services, Harris said he was bound for Scotland.
“He’s got a contractual obligation to Edinburgh,” Harris said.
“Obviously the Waratahs would be very keen to retain his services, but it’s dependent upon a number of factors which we have no control over.
“If those circumstances change, then we’ll work from there.”
The hulking outside back has played down comparisons with his childhood idol Lomu following his sensational try in Perth, when he broke through 4 tackles to score on a 40-metre sideline run.
Lomu, who played 63 times for the All Blacks from 1994 to 2002, is widely regarded as the 1st true global superstar of rugby union with his powerful runs. He had a huge impact on the game.
“He was a big idol for me. I’m nowhere near him,” Naiyaravoro said.
“I’ll try my best to get close to him.”
rugby365