Fiji’s captain for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Waisea Nayacalevu, has announced that he and several senior players have chosen to speak out for the future of Fiji rugby, emphasizing that their stance is not motivated by financial concerns.
Nayacalevu, along with teammates Levani Botia and Semi Radradra, addressed claims of mismanagement by the Fiji Rugby Union during a popular social media podcast, specifically regarding unfulfilled incentives since the Rugby World Cup.
“It is not about the money; rather, it’s about the future of the next generation of Fiji rugby players,” Nayacalevu stated. He pointed out that agreements concerning player payments made prior to the World Cup have not been met, and he asserted that the situation has reached a breaking point.
“This has been an ongoing issue for quite some time,” he added. “It reflects poorly and it’s essential that we bring more professionalism to the leadership of Fiji Rugby.”
Botia also expressed his frustration, confirming that, like many others, he has not received the promised $105,000 bonus, although players did receive a total of $30,000 in two parts, before and after the World Cup. “I have no idea where it went,” Botia remarked.
In light of these issues, the senior players are urging for a thorough investigation into the current circumstances.