Guinness PRO12
Taqele Naiyaravoro signs with Edinburgh
ESPN Staff
May 12, 2015
Taqele Naiyaravoro scored a headline try against Western Force (video available only in Australia)

Taqele Naiyaravoro has signed a contract with Guiness PRO12 club Edinburgh.

Naiyaravoro was compared to All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu after he scored a rampaging solo try for New South Wales Waratahs in their Super Rugby loss to Western Force at nib Stadium in Perth on Saturday. He is the Waratahs' joint top try scorer this season, on four, with fellow winger Rob Horne.

He declined to comment on reports on Monday that he had signed with Edinburgh, but Waratahs chief executive Greg Harris confirmed the winger a contractual obligation to the Scottish vlub. NSW would like to retain Naiyaravoro's services, Harris recognised the sensitivity surrounding the two factors affecting the Fiji-born winger's situation.

"He's got a contractual obligation to Edinburgh and the other one is he's currently going through visa applications, and I wouldn't like to jeopardise either of those things," Harris said. "Obviously the Waratahs would be very keen to retain his services, but it's dependent upon a number of factors which we have no control over. If those circumstances change, then we'll work from there."

Naiyaravoro said his focus was on finishing the Super season with NSW and trying his best for the team he joined in 2014 from the Wests Tigers rugby league club.

The Fijian paid tribute to Israel Folau, saying the Wallabies star had boosted his confidence.

"That was my problem before when I was in league as well: confidence on using my size and speed," Naiyaravoro said. "I think when I got here he opened the door for me and gave me that bit of motivation to use my size and just be confidant."

Taqele Naiyaravoro scores his first Super Rugby try last season, against the Highlanders © Getty Images
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