Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has raised serious allegations about corrupt practices within Rugby House. He made these claims during an interview with the Daily Mail, discussing the team’s consideration of a boycott of last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England due to unpaid bonuses.
Nayacalevu emphasized his accusations, comparing the corruption to a virus that needs to be eliminated for improvements to occur. While he holds the right to express his frustrations, it is suggested that the 34-year-old should act with caution and maturity, especially given that there are dedicated staff members at Rugby House working tirelessly for the growth of the sport in Fiji.
Critics say that Nayacalevu should not make broad accusations without providing concrete evidence. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has responded diplomatically, urging Nayacalevu to present any evidence backing his claims. If he fails to do so, it would be seen as a failure to uphold his responsibilities as a former captain, as he would be undermining the institution that helped shape his career.
The FRU has confirmed that Nayacalevu, along with senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia, had indeed threatened to boycott. FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey stated that such a boycott could have led to Fiji players and the Rugby Union’s exclusion from World Rugby matches. He stressed that Nayacalevu and the senior players were aware of the potential consequences yet still pushed their demands.
Mazey called on Nayacalevu to clarify the specific nature of his corruption allegations. He urged Nayacalevu to provide concrete evidence if he knows of any specific cases. The FRU is prepared to hold Nayacalevu accountable if he cannot substantiate his claims, emphasizing that it is vital for all players to understand their place within the rugby community and avoid unfounded allegations.
In more positive news, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians, who successfully defended the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan, with a decisive 41-17 victory over favored Japan. Under the guidance of coach Mick Byrne, the team showcased a strong second-half performance, turning a tied first half into a dominant win, as they build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.