RUGBY Kuridrani Turns Down Offers
Fijian centre signs two-year deal to remain in Australia
Wallabies centre Tevita Kuridrani has turned his back on lucrative European offers to stay in Australia until 2019. Kuridrani’s new two-year deal, officially announced yesterday, is a major boom for the Brumbies and the Wallabies, with the 26-yearold keenly pursued by overseas clubs in a lengthy contract negotiation.
The Fijian-born midfielder played his 50th Test last weekend against the Springboks, four years after making his debut in a 2013 Bledisloe. Kuridrani has been locked in a competitive selection battle with Samu Kerevi in the past season and that looks set to continue with the Brumbies back now committed until the 2019 World Cup.
Since making his debut, Kuridrani has played 50 of a possible 59 Tests, starting in 40 of those, but the past year has presented a different challenge with Kerevi’s emergence.
Kerevi had the edge in the contest last year before injury opened the door for Kuridrani to return to the starting side in the Spring Tour, and again in June.
Kuridrani returned to the starting side in the second Bledisloe and looks to be back to some of his best form at Test level, especially effective in defence in recent Tests.
He said his decision to stay in Australia was pretty straightforward in the end. “When I moved to Australia from Fiji, it was my dream to just play one time for the Wallabies, so to now have done it 50 times is amazing,” he said.
“Australia has been very good to me and my family, so while I had some offers to go overseas, I just didn’t want to leave.
“I really believe in what we’re building here at the Wallabies but also at the Brumbies and I hope I can be a big part in that.”
Kuridrani will have a chance to play in his first Canberra Test this weekend, when the Wallabies take on Argentina.