Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has made serious allegations regarding corrupt practices at Rugby House. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Nayacalevu discussed a potential boycott of last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England, citing unpaid bonuses as the reason behind this decision.
Nayacalevu has strongly asserted his claims of corruption, comparing it to a virus that needs to be terminated for improvement to occur. While he has every right to express his concerns, the 34-year-old must approach such serious allegations with caution, particularly considering the dedicated personnel at Rugby House who work diligently to promote and develop the sport in Fiji.
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has responded diplomatically, urging Nayacalevu to provide evidence to support his allegations. The FRU emphasized the seriousness of his claims and noted that failure to substantiate them would reflect poorly on Nayacalevu’s role as a captain, who should protect the organization that has contributed to his success.
The FRU confirmed Nayacalevu’s threat of a boycott, along with fellow senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia. FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey warned that such a boycott could jeopardize Fiji’s participation in World Rugby matches. He stressed the need for Nayacalevu to clarify his accusations of corruption and provide specific examples, should they exist.
The FRU is prepared to hold Nayacalevu accountable if he does not present evidence backing his claims, serving as a reminder to all Fijian rugby players about the importance of their conduct and reputation within the sport.
In a more positive update, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians, who successfully defended their title at the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan, defeating the favorites Japan with a convincing score of 41-17. The team, coached by Mick Byrne, showcased a strong performance, particularly in the second half after an initial tie of 10-10 at halftime. The team’s efforts indicate a promising trajectory as they prepare for the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.