“I’ve made some lifelong friends through rugby. I enjoy the game and this is a good decision for me…and my family.

“I wish the Reds, and the teammates I’ve played with, nothing but the best in 2025.”

Despite featuring prominently in the ill-fated Eddie Jones era, when he played seven Tests for Australia, Vunivalu was eventually relegated to Queensland’s bench this year in favour of breakout rookie Tim Ryan and Mac Grealy, who has since departed for the Western Force.

He was not chosen by new Australia coach Joe Schmidt for either the Wallabies or Australia A squads for their Spring Tour, and the Reds accepted Vunivalu’s request to explore his options, with their wing stocks strong following the recruitment of Test star Filipo Daugunu and former Melbourne Rebel Lachlan Anderson.

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“Since my arrival at the Reds, Suli has been a complete pro and nothing but a giver in our locker room. It will be a loss to the program,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.

“His qualities were really appreciated. In a quiet way, he really helped young wingers like Tim Ryan in his development.”

At La Rochelle, Vunivalu will link up with former Wallabies skipper Will Skelton, who hopes to return to Australian colours in 2025.

Vunivalu’s absence could present a permanent chance for Ryan to push for a Test debut, with the rookie flyer already discussed for a Wallabies berth in the near future.

The 21-year-old, who has still only started in six Super Rugby games, burst onto the scene this year, ultimately displacing the more experienced Vunivalu on the back of two hat-tricks.

A syndesmosis injury has kept the young star from featuring since the Reds clash in Tonga, and given the Reds’ strong recruitment, Ryan - who signed a two-year deal in September - was refusing to rest on his laurels.

“We’ll just keep developing my game because people might break down my game and find out stuff,” Ryan said.

“As long as I’m keeping developing and keeping a cool head I don’t see why I can’t improve.”