Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has raised serious allegations regarding corrupt practices within Rugby House. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he revealed that the Flying Fijians had considered boycotting last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England due to unpaid bonuses.
Nayacalevu firmly maintained his claims of corruption, comparing it to a virus that needs to be eradicated for improvements to take place. While it is acknowledged that Nayacalevu has the right to express his concerns, the 34-year-old is urged to proceed with caution and responsibility. There are many dedicated staff members at Rugby House who are striving to advance the sport in Fiji, despite the ongoing challenges.
It is important for Nayacalevu to present evidence for his claims rather than make unfounded accusations. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) responded diplomatically, challenging him to provide proof for his allegations. If he fails to do so, it would reflect poorly on him as a former captain, who is expected to uphold the integrity of the institution that shaped his career.
The FRU confirmed Nayacalevu’s threat to boycott, which also included senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia. According to FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey, such a boycott could have led to the expulsion of Fijian players and Fiji Rugby from World Rugby competitions. He expressed concerns over the serious accusations made by Nayacalevu, emphasizing the need for specific details and evidence.
Moving forward, the FRU must be prepared to address Nayacalevu’s allegations if he does not substantiate them, setting a precedent for other Fijian rugby players regarding the gravity of their statements and the responsibilities that come with their positions.
In other news, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians for overcoming challenges to secure the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan. The team, coached by Mick Byrne, delivered an impressive 41-17 victory against favorites Japan in the final. After a tied first half at 10-all, the Flying Fijians dominated the second half, showcasing their preparation for the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.