Fiji Rugby Union’s interim chair, Peter Mazey, stated that former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu’s recent comments “will be addressed later.” Mazey chose not to discuss the matter further at this time.
In an interview with the Daily Mail’s rugby correspondent, Nick Simon, Nayacalevu revealed that a potential player boycott over unpaid bonuses and allegations of corruption within the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) nearly disrupted their Rugby World Cup quarter-final match against England. He expressed that the team had contemplated going on strike if their promised bonuses were not fulfilled, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding financial mismanagement within the union.
Nayacalevu emphasized, “We’ve never said this in public, but it’s time for it to go out.” He claimed that corruption is pervasive within the FRU, comparing it to a “virus” that must be eliminated for the union to improve. The report indicated that Nayacalevu and other senior players, including Semi Radradra and Levani Botia, have taken action to hold officials accountable by organizing meetings to discuss the alleged unmet promises.
Nayacalevu mentioned that such incidents have been recurring over time. An email seeking further information has been sent to the FRU, but a response has not yet been received.