TOP 14 – Le Figaro invites you to discover Sireli Maqala, the Fijian three-quarter center of Aviron Bayonnais before the match against Racing 92 this Saturday.
Favorite of Jean-Dauger
Even when he was convalescing, Aviron Bayonnais supporters demanded his presence. Brilliant and acclaimed in all these matches, the Fijian Sireli Maqala logically attracted envy. To the point of seeing the Bayonne public launching propaganda on social networks for it to be extended… And they were expected! At the beginning of October, the Basque club announced the extension of its Fijian phenomenon for three additional years. To the great pleasure of the Bayonnais and his teammate Guillaume Rouet, who did not fail to highlight the talent of this player. “As soon as he touches the ball, something happens”.
He almost never came
Fijian players and France, a long love story punctuated by strong turbulence… If Sireli Maqala has now settled long-term on the Basque coast, the French public nevertheless almost did not know about the phenomenon from the Pacific. During the summer of 2021, the Fijian international XV (5 caps) no longer wanted to come despite a contract signed for two years. For the local newspaper Fiji Sun he even declared that he preferred “play for pride rather than money”. But after several months of doubts and uncertainties, Maqala finally chose to come to France.
Real Swiss army knife
Installed as a center, Sireli Maqala (1m72, 88kg) can play in all positions on the three-quarter line. Sometimes starting on the wing during his first season in Pro D2 (2021-2022), the native of Labasa (Fiji) can also play as a fly half. During the last World Cup in France, the 24-year-old was even chosen at full-back against Portugal. It must be said that the Fijian back line is full of exceptional talent…
Gold at the Tokyo Games
Unknown to the general public, Sireli Maqala was lucky enough to be spotted by the former coach of the Fijian rugby sevens team, Gareth Baber. The latter allowed him to play preparation matches for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. To everyone’s surprise, the three-quarter was selected as a reserve to defend his nation’s Olympic title (the Fijians had been crowned at Rio in 2016). His brilliant performances even took part in Fiji’s new coronation in Tokyo. A real turning point in his career.
He almost didn’t become a professional rugby player
The whirling three-quarter center had a difficult rugby debut in his native country. In 2019, during a match against the army, Maqala broke his right arm. A year later, his left leg broke into three segments. As a result, the Fijian had to have an operation in Suva, the capital, where a screw was inserted to hold the bone. “ “The doctor told us that Sireli’s rugby days were over because he couldn’t play anymore”Sisa, his father, told the Fiji Sun. But the one who also tasted football in primary school was able to come back to be today one of the best centers in the championship.
France
