Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has made serious allegations of corrupt practices at Rugby House. During an interview with the Daily Mail, he discussed a planned boycott by the Flying Fijians of last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England, citing unpaid bonuses as the primary reason.
Nayacalevu has been outspoken about his concerns, comparing the situation to a virus that needs to be eradicated for progress to occur. While he has the right to express his grievances, it is essential that he approaches such serious claims with care, especially given the dedicated efforts of the staff at Rugby House who are striving to advance the sport in Fiji.
Critics argue that Nayacalevu must refrain from making unfounded accusations without providing supporting evidence. In response, the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has called for Nayacalevu to substantiate his claims. The FRU asserted that if he cannot provide proof, it would reflect poorly on him as a former captain who should be defending the institution that contributed to his success.
The FRU has acknowledged Nayacalevu’s threats of a boycott alongside senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia. FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey warned that such actions could have severe consequences, potentially leading to the exclusion of Fiji players from World Rugby events.
Mazey emphasized the gravity of Nayacalevu’s corruption allegations and urged him to clarify whether he possesses specific evidence to support his claims. The FRU is prepared to hold Nayacalevu accountable if he fails to provide the necessary proof, serving as a reminder to other players of their responsibilities within the sport.
In other news, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians, who recently claimed the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan, defeating the favored Japanese team 41-17 in the final. The victory came after a tied first half, demonstrating the team’s resilience and potential as they move forward in preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.