Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has alleged that corrupt practices are present at Rugby House. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he revealed that the Flying Fijians considered boycotting last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England due to unpaid bonuses.
Nayacalevu was firm in his claims, comparing the corruption he alleges to a virus that needs to be eradicated for progress to occur. While it is acknowledged that Nayacalevu has the right to express his concerns, it is important for the 34-year-old to approach the situation with caution and maturity, especially considering the dedicated staff at Rugby House who are working hard to promote the sport in Fiji.
Critics argue that Nayacalevu’s allegations lack evidence, and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has responded diplomatically, challenging him to provide proof for his claims. Failure to do so could reflect poorly on Nayacalevu, who holds a position that requires him to protect the interests of the institution that contributed to his success.
The FRU confirmed the threat of a boycott by Nayacalevu and other senior players, stating that such an action could lead to the exclusion of Fiji players and Rugby from World Rugby matches. Peter Mazey, chairman of the FRU interim Trustees, expressed disappointment that Nayacalevu and his teammates proceeded with their demands despite understanding the possible repercussions.
Mazey called for Nayacalevu to clarify his accusations and provide specific evidence of corruption if available. He stressed that accountability is essential, not just for Nayacalevu, but as a lesson for other Fijian rugby players about the importance of substantiating serious claims.
In other news, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians, who have successfully defended their Pacific Nations Cup title in Osaka, Japan. The team, led by coach Mick Byrne, secured a resounding 41-17 victory against favored Japan in the final, showcasing a strong performance, especially in the second half after a tied first half of 10-10. Byrne’s new-look team appears to be building momentum as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.