The Fiji Rugby Union Trustees Board has addressed allegations of corruption and delays in bonus payments raised by former FIJI Water Flying Fijians Captain Waisea Nayacalevu. In a statement, the Trustees expressed disappointment and concern over Nayacalevu’s comments made during a Daily Mail interview.
The Trustees emphasized the seriousness of the accusations against Fiji Rugby and questioned Nayacalevu’s claims, asking him to provide specific evidence of corruption. They highlighted that they assumed responsibility for Fiji Rugby in May 2023, just four months before the World Cup, with the primary objective of securing funding to prepare the Flying Fijians for the tournament.
It was outlined that, following negotiations, each member of the Flying Fijian squad—comprising 33 players—was to receive a signing fee of $30,000 along with a daily allowance of $500 from July 16 to October 15, 2023. Additionally, with government support, bonuses of $30,000 for winning the quarterfinal, $40,000 for the semifinal, and $50,000 for winning the final were promised based on the team’s performance.
The Trustees clarified that all expenses for the team’s preparation and participation in the 2023 Rugby World Cup—including travel, accommodation, meals, and gear—were funded and budgeted for by Fiji Rugby, World Rugby, and the government. They acknowledged that there were some payment delays for a few overseas players due to verification issues with their bank details.
Three days before the quarterfinal, the team manager facilitated a Zoom meeting where Nayacalevu and other players demanded their bonuses be paid immediately, threatening not to play unless their demands were met. Realizing the potential impact on Fiji Rugby’s finances, the Trustees sought assistance from the Prime Minister’s Office to fulfill the players’ demands sooner than anticipated.
An agreement was made that the players would receive their quarterfinal bonuses immediately after the match. The Board stated that denying participation in a World Cup match would have jeopardized both the players and Fiji Rugby’s standing in World Rugby. Despite being aware of these consequences, Nayacalevu and senior players continued their demands.
The Trustees confirmed that the bonuses and fees had been successfully disbursed, ultimately providing each player around $105,000 for their participation in the World Cup. They reiterated their commitment to supporting teams in future competitions, learning from past experiences, and striving for ongoing improvements in management and performance.