Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has made serious allegations of corruption at 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 spoke strongly about the need to address what he described as a corruption “virus” that must be eliminated for the sport to improve. While he has the right to express his concerns, he is urged to proceed with caution, considering the dedicated staff at Rugby House who have been working hard for the sport’s development despite various challenges.
Critics note that Nayacalevu should refrain from making unsubstantiated claims without evidence backing them. The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) responded diplomatically, urging Nayacalevu to substantiate his claims with evidence. The FRU emphasized that failing to do so would reflect poorly on Nayacalevu’s responsibilities as a captain and his obligation to uphold the integrity of the institution.
The FRU confirmed Nayacalevu’s threat to boycott the match alongside other senior players, including Semi Radradra and Levani Botia. FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey remarked that such a boycott could have led to the expulsion of Fijian players and Rugby from World Rugby matches, a fact that Nayacalevu and other senior players were aware of when pursuing their demands.
Mazey expressed concern over the serious nature of Nayacalevu’s accusations and called for specifics regarding any alleged corruption. He emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for players to recognize their standing within the rugby community, cautioning against making allegations without supporting evidence.
In other news, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians, who successfully defended their title by winning the Pacific Nations Cup against Japan in Osaka, Japan, with a resounding 41-17 victory. The team, coached by Mick Byrne, rebounded strongly in the second half after a 10-all tie at halftime, demonstrating their commitment to building for the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.