Waisea Nayacalevu, the captain of the Flying Fijians for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, has advocated for significant reforms within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU). He asserts that these changes are essential to prevent issues at Rugby House from adversely affecting the future of the sport in Fiji, especially for younger players preparing to represent the nation.
In a candid conversation with Facebook influencer Lesi Vanuavou, Nayacalevu, along with teammates Levani Botia and Semi Radradra, raised serious allegations regarding unpaid contracts, unfulfilled commitments, unpaid coaches and officials, and cited a financial crisis within the FRU. Their concerns were reportedly communicated to the FRU by team management following their tour.
The players highlighted past troubles during last year’s Rugby World Cup, where they executed three strikes, specifically addressing issues related to timely payments for younger team members, which ultimately hindered their performance against opponents such as Wales, Portugal, and England.
Nayacalevu is demanding accountability from the FRU’s leadership, insisting that those responsible for previous failures, including issues leading to last year’s quarter-finals, should be held accountable. He believes that experienced individuals from the professional sports sector should be brought in to manage the FRU.
Radradra provided insights into the numerous challenges faced during the World Cup, including claims that payments were consistently delayed, affecting the players’ mental readiness for matches. He noted that discussions around pay were ongoing and critical to the team’s focus.
Botia also addressed concerns about contract obligations, revealing that the team was given limited time to review contract terms that were deemed unfair, prompting negotiations for better allowances.
Additionally, Nayacalevu discussed payment issues linked to a high-profile Test match against the All Blacks this year, stating that players faced delays in receiving their allowances, which nearly caused the team to forfeit the match. He described a culture where payment status became an ongoing concern rather than a straightforward process.
The conditions surrounding travel logistics for matches, including missed flights and visa issues, were also criticized, with players having to resort to personal funds to cover expenses while on tour.
Nayacalevu expressed his determination to see changes implemented, emphasizing the necessity for transparency and accountability within the FRU. He noted the detrimental effects of these issues on team performance and morale.
The players’ discontent reflects a broader sense of urgency that operational practices within the FRU must be addressed to ensure a smoother experience for future generations of Flying Fijians. Nayacalevu is committed to raising these concerns, stressing the importance of rectifying these persistent problems for the betterment of the sport in Fiji.