Fiji’s captain for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Waisea Nayacalevu, has emphasized that he and other senior players are speaking out not for financial gain but for the future of Fiji rugby. Nayacalevu, along with teammates Levani Botia and Semi Radradra, addressed concerns regarding alleged mismanagement by the Fiji Rugby Union about promised incentives since the World Cup on a popular social media podcast.
“It is not about the money; it’s about the future of the next generation of Fiji rugby players,” Nayacalevu stated. He expressed frustration that agreements related to player payments ahead of the World Cup have not been honored, declaring that the situation has gone on long enough.
“This has been an ongoing issue for quite some time,” he said. “It paints a bad picture, and it’s time we instill more professionalism at the head of Fiji Rugby.”
Botia supported Nayacalevu’s claims, noting that he, like many players, had not yet received the promised $105,000 bonus, although they did receive a $30,000 salary, split into two payments before and after the World Cup. “I have no idea where it went,” Botia remarked.
The senior players are now demanding a thorough investigation into the current circumstances.