Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has made serious allegations of corruption within the Rugby House, claiming such practices hinder the sport’s progress. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he indicated that the Flying Fijians considered boycotting their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England last year, citing unpaid bonuses as a significant issue.
Nayacalevu, unwavering in his beliefs, compared the alleged corruption to a virus that needs to be eliminated for the sport to improve. While he is entitled to express his grievances, the 34-year-old is encouraged to approach the matter with caution and maturity, especially since there are dedicated staff at Rugby House striving to promote the game amidst challenges.
Critics argue that Nayacalevu should present credible evidence to support his claims instead of making unfounded accusations. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has responded diplomatically, urging him to detail the specifics of his allegations. The FRU warns that failure to provide evidence could tarnish his reputation as a former captain, as it undermines the integrity of the institution that contributed to his career.
The FRU confirmed the threats of a boycott by Nayacalevu alongside fellow senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia. Interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey stated that such a boycott could have resulted in the expulsion of Fiji players from World Rugby matches, emphasizing that Nayacalevu and his teammates were aware of these potential consequences yet still chose to pursue their demands.
Mazey further questioned whether Nayacalevu has knowledge of specific incidents of corruption and called for him to present the evidence publicly for scrutiny. The FRU reinforced its commitment to hold Nayacalevu accountable if he does not substantiate his claims, indicating that this could serve as a crucial lesson for other Fijian rugby players regarding their responsibilities.
In a more positive note, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians, who successfully retained the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan. Under Coach Mick Byrne, the team triumphed over heavy favorites Japan with a decisive 41-17 victory in the final, showcasing their prowess and determination in the second half after a tied first half. This success is seen as a positive indication as the team prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.