Atu Bosenavulagi

Ex-Collingwood and North Melbourne AFL player Atu Bosenavulagi linked with code switch

The Fiji-born 22-year-old was delisted at the end of last season.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Former Collingwood and North Melbourne utility Atu Bosenavulagi is reportedly pursuing a career in rugby following his departure from the AFL.

Bosenavulagi was delisted from the Kangaroos at the end of last season after two years at Arden Street, where he played 17 games at senior level.

The 22-year-old made the switch to the Roos after just two seasons with Collingwood, having been traded to North Melbourne alongside Jaidyn Stephenson after three matches with the Magpies.

Bosenavulgi was drafted into the AFL with the 77th overall selection in the 2018 National Draft after a promising stint with the Oakleigh Chargers.

His path to the AFL followed a junior career in rugby, where he represented Australia in rugby sevens and would also represent the Melbourne Rebels in their Junior Gold Cup side, often playing as a winger.

According to Fox Footy, Bosenavulagi is said to be looking to rekindle his rugby career following his departure from the AFL.

It is understood that the Fijian-born footballer and his rugby manager are seeking a contract across the east coast.

Should he land a professional deal, Bosenavulagi wouldn't be the only former AFL player linking up with a rugby code this off-season, with retired Geelong champion Joel Selwood joining NRL outfit the Melbourne Storm as a leadership coach.

The NRL and AFL have seen players swap codes across the past decade, with rugby league icons Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau famously venturing to the Gold Coast Suns and GWS Giants respectively.

Both players, who were Australian representatives during their NRL careers, had short stints in the AFL before returning to rugby league and union.

Former Gold Coast player Josh Hall, who played seven games for the Suns from 2012-2015, joined the Penrith Panthers for the 2016 season, however failed to make an appearance for the NRL club.

Published by
Mitch Keating