Fiji’s captain for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Waisea Nayacalevu, along with senior players Levani Botia and Semi Radradra, has expressed concerns about the future of Fiji rugby, emphasizing that their concerns are not about financial gain. During a recent podcast, they addressed allegations regarding the mismanagement by the Fiji Rugby Union related to unfulfilled promises of incentives following the Rugby World Cup.
Nayacalevu highlighted that discussions surrounding player payments before the World Cup remain unresolved, stating that it is time to address these ongoing issues. “This has been an ongoing issue for quite some time,” he noted, stressing the need for greater professionalism within Fiji Rugby.
Botia supported Nayacalevu’s statements, mentioning that many players, including himself, have yet to receive the promised $105,000 bonus, despite receiving a $30,000 salary split into two payments before and after the tournament. “I have no idea where it went,” Botia remarked.
The senior players are now urging for a thorough investigation into the current circumstances surrounding these financial discrepancies.