Share

Rebels release Vuna for Japan

Sydney - Super Rugby club Melbourne Rebels announced on Tuesday they have agreed to release wing Cooper Vuna at the end of the season, freeing him to play in Japan.

Vuna, who enjoyed a successful career in rugby league before switching to rugby union, will play his final match for the Rebels on July 12.

"The former New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights winger will leave the club at the end of July to play for Japanese rugby team Toshiba," the Rebels said in a statement.

Since his arrival in Melbourne in 2010, Vuna has played 33 Super Rugby matches. He made his Test debut for the Wallabies in 2012 against Wales in Brisbane.

The 25-year-old was embroiled in controversy earlier this year when he and Wallabies star Kurtley Beale were sent home from South Africa after the Rebels' record 64-7 Super Rugby loss to the Sharks in Durban.

Reports said Vuna intervened after Beale punched skipper Gareth Delve on the team bus after a nightclub outing following Melbourne's loss, and the pair went on to trade blows.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1123 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1296 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 1992 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE