Waisea Nayacalevu, despite making allegations of unpaid bonuses and corruption within Rugby House, has been included in the Flying Fijians lineup for their upcoming Europe tour. Accompanying him are senior players such as Semi Radradra, Albert Tuisue, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Samuel Matavesi, and Meli Derenalagi, who have expressed support for Nayacalevu’s claims.
Nayacalevu and Tevita Ikanivere have been appointed co-captains for the tour. When questioned about the selection process, Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne emphasized that team selections were made independently of the ongoing situation, stating, “It has nothing to do with team selection. I’ll pick the best players to play for the country in the tour.”
According to Fiji Rugby Union interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey, the head coach retains the authority over player selections, with the Trustees having no influence in the matter. The squad also sees the return of Racing 92 winger Josua Tuisova.
In a Zoom conference, Byrne discussed the importance of the tour, during which the Flying Fijians will compete against Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Spain. He acknowledged that the climate in Europe might pose a challenge but noted that it is generally cool there.
One notable absence from the squad is Iosefo Masi, who is sidelined due to injury. Byrne expressed regret over Masi’s absence but mentioned he is currently undergoing rehabilitation after participating in all Super Rugby matches for the Fijian Drua before the Olympic Games and the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC).
Masi has attracted interest from Top 14 clubs, with Lyon reportedly seeking him as a potential replacement for Radradra. Byrne has maintained a core lineup from the PNC but has also brought in Sireli Maqala, Jiuta Wainiqolo, and Saimoni Uluinakauvadra. He explained the selection of Maqala at full-back took into account his previous experience in that position, and highlighted the versatility of players within the squad.
Byrne noted that the players had a few weeks to rest after the PNC and Super Rugby seasons and that they would begin training next week to finalize their lineups for the tour. He emphasized the importance of scouting and integrating new players to maintain a strong team balance.
The Flying Fijians are scheduled to play against Scotland on November 2 at Murrayfield, followed by matches against Wales on November 10 in Cardiff, Spain on November 17, and Ireland on November 23 in Dublin.