Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has made serious allegations regarding corruption at Rugby House. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he revealed that the Flying Fijians had considered boycotting their quarterfinal match against England at last year’s Rugby World Cup due to unpaid bonuses.
Nayacalevu expressed strong feelings about the corruption, comparing it to a virus that must be eliminated for improvement to occur. While it is acknowledged that he has the right to voice his concerns, it is important for the 34-year-old to show maturity and caution in making such serious claims, especially regarding the dedicated staff at Rugby House who are committed to the sport’s development in Fiji.
Critics assert that Nayacalevu should not make unfounded allegations without presenting evidence. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has responded diplomatically, urging Nayacalevu to provide specific proof of his claims. They emphasized that if he cannot substantiate his accusations, it would not reflect well on his role as a former captain responsible for protecting the institution that shaped his career.
The FRU has confirmed that Nayacalevu, along with senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia, did threaten to boycott the World Cup quarterfinal. FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey stated that such a boycott could have resulted in Fiji players and Rugby being banned from World Rugby events. He expressed concern over the serious nature of Nayacalevu’s allegations and insisted that he should clarify what he meant by them.
The FRU is prepared to hold Nayacalevu accountable if he fails to provide the required evidence for his claims. This situation serves as a warning to other Fijian rugby players about the importance of acknowledging their status in the sport and avoiding baseless allegations.
Meanwhile, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians, who achieved an impressive victory by winning the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan, on Saturday. Under coach Mick Byrne, they defeated favored Japan with a score of 41-17 in the final, demonstrating resilience and talent after being tied 10-all at halftime. Byrne is building a new team with an eye toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with progress clearly on track.