STADE Rochelais director of rugby Ronan O’Gara believes former Kaiviti Silktails rugby league player Watisoni Waqanisaravi has the attributes to become “a dangerous international Test player” following his impressive rise in French rugby.

The 23-year old’s performances have earned him a spot in the extended 68-member Flying Fijians squad ahead of upcoming international Tests.

The Dakuinuku, Sawakasa, Tailevu native has impressed O’Gara with his powerful ball carrying and versatility, earning his place in La Rochelle’s Top 14 squad after initially being earmarked for a loan move to Pro D2 club Nevers.

He switched to rugby union, playing for Georgian club RC Kazbegi before joining La Rochelle as a medical replacement.

“One day I saw him at training and thought to myself, he can play five, he can play eight, he’s 23,” O’Gara told Rugbyrama. “Normally, you loan a player to a Pro D2 club to develop him for the future, but he was ready and now is too important.”

Standing at 1.95 metres and weighing 127 kilograms, Waqanisaravi can play at lock or in the back row, providing La Rochelle with options across its forward pack.

O’Gara, however, said consistency and decision-making remained important areas for the young forward to develop.

“He can play five, he can play eight, and he’s only 23,” O’Gara told xvovalie.com. “Except that he doesn’t know whether he should push even harder or stay calm. And when a Fijian player is like that, it can be dangerous in the wrong way! But when he’s like he was today, I love it.”

He is contracted with La Ro chelle until 2028.

He is expected to be named in the side that will travel to Saracens on Sunday for their Champions Cup opener.