The Fiji Rugby Union Trustees Board has addressed accusations of corruption and delays in bonus payments made by former FIJI Water Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu.
In their statement, the Trustees expressed their disappointment and concern regarding Nayacalevu’s remarks in a Daily Mail interview. The board highlighted the serious nature of his allegations against the Fiji Rugby team, urging him to provide specific examples of corruption if he has any evidence to share.
The Trustees took over the management of Fiji Rugby in May 2023, just four months before the Rugby World Cup, prioritizing the necessary funding to allow the Flying Fijians to train and compete. They outlined that it was agreed that each squad member would receive a sign-on fee of $30,000 and a daily allowance of $500 from July 16 to October 15, 2023, covering 91 days.
Additionally, with government support, bonuses were offered based on the team’s performance, amounting to $30,000 for a quarterfinal win, $40,000 for a semifinal win, and $50,000 for winning the final. The Trustees confirmed that all expenses for the team’s preparation and World Cup participation were paid for by Fiji Rugby and World Rugby, including travel, accommodation, meals, and training gear.
The Trustees acknowledged some delays in payments to a few overseas players, which were caused by the verification of their banking details. They emphasized the national pride among the players, who represent their country and families.
According to the Trustees, three days prior to the quarterfinal, a meeting was held via Zoom with the Captain, some players, and the interim Rugby Administrator, during which players demanded bonus payments before the match. They claimed that without the bonuses, they would not participate in the quarterfinal. This ultimatum prompted the Trustees to seek government assistance to expedite bonus payments.
The Prime Minister’s Office assured the players that their quarterfinal bonuses would be paid immediately after the match. The Trustees stated that they would never gamble with the risk of a boycott, especially during critical matches like the World Cup quarterfinal, as such actions could lead to severe repercussions for the players and Fiji Rugby.
The Trustees noted that despite the demands, the promised bonuses were fulfilled, along with the sign-on fee and the daily allowances. Each player received approximately $105,000 for their participation in the World Cup.
Finally, the Trustees reiterated their commitment to supporting future competitions and expressed their dedication to improving the management and performance of Fiji Rugby teams.