Taqele Naiyaravoro

The Waratahs’ Fijian-born wing Taqele Naiyaravoro’s is finally cleared to travel outside Australia.

It was confirmed on Thursday that the Australian Department of Immigration finally approved a temporary work (long stay activity) visa (subclass 401).

It ended a diabolical state of affairs that effectively forced the defending champions to use separate home and away wings in pursuit of their title defence this year.

The Waratahs confirmed in a statement that Naiyaravoro will be available to travel with the team to South Africa later this month – where they will play the Emirates Lions and Toyota Cheetahs – pending approval of an entry visa by South African government.

“The Waratahs would like to thank all parties, particularly the department of immigration, for their diligent efforts in reaching this outcome,” the statement said.

The visa issue had kept him grounded for the Waratahs’ trips to Dunedin and Wellington earlier this season.

“It means a lot for me to be able to travel with the team, it is a huge relief,” Naiyaravoro said.

What is still not certain is where that leaves his plans for next year.

He signed a 3-year deal with Edinburgh and Naiyaravoro still needs to come up with a more permanent arrangement before he can leave Australia – knowing he is free to return any time.

His application for a spousal visa with his Australian wife is the next piece of the puzzle.

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