Powerful Black Ferns prop Tanya Kalounivale has joined the Queensland Reds in the biggest signing of the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season.
Kalounivale, 27, is at the peak of her powers as a two-time World Cup representative for New Zealand with 29 Tests to her name.
The one-two punch at tighthead prop with Wallaroo Eva Karpani and Kalounivale can be the foundation for a Reds scrum of real authority in 2026.
Kalounivale said being close to family and personal development outside of rugby were two big factors which made playing for the Reds so appealing.
“I’m excited to be in Brisbane and for what’s ahead with new teammates and learning a different style of rugby,” Kalounivale said.
“I know I always play my best when close to family and that’s the main reason for me moving to Brisbane.”
Kalounivale revealed she had been thinking of relocating since her mother Ana moved to Brisbane before the 2025 Women’s World Cup kick-off in August last year.
“I love the Black Ferns. My family and I were given a huge opportunity to live in NZ when we left Fiji. This is not a decision made lightly,” Kalounivale said.
“I’ve been thinking of the move since before the World Cup and I now get to be in Brisbane around family.
“I want to play strongly for the Reds and there’s also a good chance to explore some personal development outside of rugby as well.”
Brisbane-based former Wallabies winger Henry Speight is a sibling and she gained inspiration from his journey in the game.
After completing her high school education at Suva Grammar, Kalounivale studied civil engineering before she concentrated on rugby full-time.
She made her Test debut against the Wallaroos in 2022 and was part of the Black Ferns’ World Cup-winning squad later that same year in NZ.
She played her most recent Test for the Black Ferns just last month against Canada in Kansas City during the Pac Four tournament.
“That World Cup in NZ was a great moment and environment to be in. I’ve learnt so much along the way in rugby,” Kalounivale said.
All she can add with her scrummaging, ball-carrying, workrate and experience will be a major asset for the Reds.
“The Reds have talked about winning Super Rugby Women’s for a long time so it’s great to have a player in our midst like Tanya who has experienced winning at the highest level at a World Cup,” Reds Head Coach Andrew Fraser said.
“There is a presence and calmness she brings with the experience she has gained in two World Cup campaigns and the Tests she has played.
“She is a wonderful person to go with it and she resonates with the women in our squad. You see that already.
“To have two world-class tighthead props in our program with Tanya and Eva is something we will use to full effect.”
Karpani will start and Kalounivale will come off the bench when the Reds play their first trial against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Sunday from 1pm.
