Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has made serious allegations regarding corrupt practices at Rugby House. In an interview, he discussed the team’s consideration of boycotting last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England, primarily due to unpaid bonuses.
Nayacalevu, who has shown determination in his allegations, described the corruption as a virus that must be eradicated for improvements to occur. While he is entitled to voice his concerns, it is essential for the 34-year-old to approach these claims with caution, considering the dedicated staff at Rugby House who are committed to advancing the sport despite various challenges.
Critics argue that Nayacalevu should substantiate his claims with evidence instead of making sweeping statements. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) responded diplomatically, urging Nayacalevu to present any evidence supporting his allegations. If he fails to do so, it could reflect poorly on him as a former captain and on his responsibility towards the organization that contributed to his career.
The FRU confirmed Nayacalevu’s threat of a boycott, which included other senior players such as Semi Radradra and Levani Botia. FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey pointed out that a boycott could have led to Fiji’s exclusion from World Rugby matches, emphasizing that the players were aware of the potential consequences.
Mazey expressed concern over the serious nature of the corruption accusations, urging Nayacalevu to clarify his statements and provide specific cases of alleged corruption for public scrutiny. The FRU is prepared to hold Nayacalevu accountable if he does not back up his claims, serving as a warning to other Fijian players about their standing in the rugby world.
In other news, the Flying Fijians recently achieved an impressive victory, securing the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan. Coached by Mick Byrne, the team triumphed over favorites Japan with a score of 41-17 in the final, demonstrating a dominant performance in the second half after being tied 10-10 at halftime. This marks a promising development for the team as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.