Asaeli Ai Valu, also known as ヴァル アサエリ愛 (Baru Asaeri Ai), is a Tongan-born Japanese international rugby union player who primarily plays as a prop. He currently represents the Sunwolves in Super Rugby and the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan's Top League.
Born on 7 May 1989, Valu originally had the name Asaeli Valu before adding the kanji character "愛" (Ai) to his Japanese name.
Valu earned his Japanese citizenship in 2017 and became eligible to play for the Japanese national team. He is the son of Fakahau Valu, a former rugby union player who represented Tonga in the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
During his university days, Valu worked part-time at a farm and appeared on the Nippon Television variety show "The! Tetsuwan! DASH!!" during the rugby off-season.
In terms of his rugby career, Valu played for the Sunwolves in Super Rugby and the Panasonic Wild Knights in the Top League for four seasons before receiving his first call-up to the Japanese national squad in 2017. He made his test debut on 4 November 2017 in a match against Australia, which Japan lost 63-30 in Yokohama.
Valu secured his place in the 31-man squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and played a significant role in the tournament. He started in Japan's opening match victory over Russia and came off the bench in matches against Ireland, Samoa, Scotland, and Japan's historic first World Cup quarter-final against South Africa.
By the end of the Rugby World Cup, Valu had amassed 14 test caps for Japan and scored two tries. Known for his power and presence in the front row, Asaeli Ai Valu has made notable contributions to the Japanese national team on the international stage.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Valu has been named in the training squad for Japan.
KG(02/07/2023)
Career
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Saitama Wild Knights Tighthead Prop |
2015 - present |
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Sunwolves Tighthead Prop |
2018 - 2022 |
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Japan XV Tighthead Prop |
2023 - 2024 |
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Japan Tighthead Prop |
2017 - 2024 |
