Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board chairman Peter Mazey has responded to allegations of corruption made by Waisea Nayacalevu, who suggested that corruption is prevalent within Rugby House. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Nayacalevu indicated that he and several players were prepared to boycott their quarterfinal match against England during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Mazey expressed concern over the serious nature of Nayacalevu’s accusations, stating that he should clarify what he meant by his comments. “Does he know of any specific cases of corruption? If so, please lay out the evidence for all to examine,” Mazey stated.
The trustees, who took charge of Fiji Rugby four months prior to the tournament, emphasized that their main focus was on securing necessary funding for the team’s World Cup participation. Mazey pointed out that a boycott could have resulted in Fiji players and the team being banned from competing in World Cup matches.
He noted, “Let alone a quarter-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the consequences would likely have been detrimental.” Despite being aware of the risks, Nayacalevu and other senior players pressed forward with their demands.
After discussions, an agreement was reached, resulting in each member of the Flying Fijians squad, which includes 33 players, receiving a sign-on fee of $30,000. Mazey confirmed that all promised bonuses and allowances had been paid, summing up to approximately $105,000 per player for the duration of the World Cup.
The trustees expressed regret regarding the circumstances that led to the bonus dispute and underscored the potential negative impact a boycott could have had on Fiji Rugby’s reputation internationally. The board reaffirmed their commitment to support the team in future competitions and emphasized the need for ongoing improvements in team management and performance.