Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has made serious allegations about the presence of corrupt practices at Rugby House. During an interview with the Daily Mail, he discussed the team’s consideration of boycotting last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England due to unpaid bonuses.
Nayacalevu expressed strong convictions about the corruption, equating it to a virus that needed to be eradicated for improvements to occur. While he has the right to voice his concerns, it is crucial for the 34-year-old to approach such accusations with caution, especially in consideration of the dedicated staff at Rugby House who strive to advance the sport in Fiji despite numerous challenges.
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has responded diplomatically, encouraging Nayacalevu to provide evidence to support his claims. If Nayacalevu fails to substantiate his allegations, it could reflect poorly on his reputation as a former captain, suggesting he has not upheld his responsibility to protect the institution that contributed to his success.
The FRU has confirmed Nayacalevu’s threat of a boycott, supported by senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia. FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey cautioned that such a boycott could have resulted in the expulsion of Fijian players from international rugby competitions. Mazey noted the need for Nayacalevu to clarify his allegations of corruption, asking if he has specific instances to support his claims.
The FRU is prepared to hold Nayacalevu accountable if he does not provide evidence for his allegations. This situation serves as a reminder to other Fijian rugby players about their status in the sport, emphasizing that no individual is greater than the game itself.
In a positive turn of events, congratulations are due to the Flying Fijians for their impressive victory in retaining the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan. Under coach Mick Byrne, the team triumphed over favorites Japan with a score of 41-17 in the final, showcasing a dominant second-half performance after a 10-all tie at halftime. The team is on track with its preparations for the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.