The Fiji Rugby Union Trustees Board has addressed allegations of corruption and postponed bonus payments brought forth by former FIJI Water Flying Fijians Captain Waisea Nayacalevu. In their statement, the Trustees expressed their disappointment and concern over comments made in a Daily Mail interview.
Nayacalevu raised serious allegations regarding corruption within the team at Rugby House. The Trustees questioned the validity of these claims, asking him to clarify if he had specific instances of corruption to present along with supporting evidence.
The Trustees highlighted that they assumed responsibility for Fiji Rugby in May 2023, four months before the World Cup, with their primary goal being to secure funding for the Flying Fijians to prepare for the event. It was determined that each member of the Flying Fijians squad (33 players) would receive a signing fee of $30,000 and a daily allowance of $500 from July 16 to October 15, 2023.
Additionally, the Trustees mentioned that, with government support, bonuses of $30,000 for winning the quarter-final, $40,000 for reaching the semi-final, and $50,000 for winning the final were proposed based on the team’s success.
Moreover, they stated that Fiji Rugby and World Rugby covered all expenses related to the team’s preparation and participation in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including travel, accommodation, meals, and gear, all of which had been budgeted for with the necessary parties.
The Trustees acknowledged that some overseas players faced payment delays while confirming their bank details. They noted that three days before the quarter-final, the Team Manager arranged a Zoom meeting where Nayacalevu and other players demanded bonus payments before the match, threatening not to play if their demands were not met.
Recognizing the serious implications of a potential boycott, Fiji Rugby sought government assistance from the Prime Minister’s Office for earlier bonus payments. An assurance was provided that the requested quarter-final bonuses would be paid immediately after the match.
The Trustees emphasized that they could not risk a boycott of any match, particularly during a crucial quarter-final. Despite being aware of the severe repercussions, Nayacalevu and other senior players continued with their demands.
The Trustees confirmed that the promised bonuses, signing fees, and daily allowances were ultimately paid, totaling approximately $105,000 for each player involved for the duration of the camp and the World Cup.
Looking forward, the Trustees reiterated their commitment to supporting the team in future competitions, acknowledging past experiences and striving for ongoing improvements in the management and performance of Fiji Rugby teams.