Former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu has raised serious accusations regarding corrupt practices at Rugby House. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he claimed that the national team considered boycotting last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England due to unpaid bonuses.
Nayacalevu remains firm in his allegations, comparing the corruption to a virus that must be eradicated for improvement to occur. While he has the right to voice his concerns, it is essential for the 34-year-old to handle such claims with responsibility and maturity, particularly as there are dedicated staff members at Rugby House who work tirelessly to support the growth of rugby in Fiji.
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has responded diplomatically, urging Nayacalevu to provide evidence for his claims of corruption. They emphasized that failing to substantiate his statements could tarnish his reputation as a former captain and undermine the organization that helped shape his career.
The FRU confirmed Nayacalevu’s threat to boycott, alongside senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia. Interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey noted that such a boycott could have severe consequences, including the potential expulsion of Fiji players from World Rugby competitions. He expressed concern about the serious nature of Nayacalevu’s accusations and called for clarification and evidence to support his claims.
The FRU insists it will hold Nayacalevu accountable if he does not produce evidence for his allegations, serving as a warning to other players about the importance of standing by the integrity of the sport.
In more positive news, congratulations are in order for the Flying Fijians, who triumphed in retaining the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan, by defeating the favored Japanese team 41-17 in the final. The team, coached by Mick Byrne, showed impressive resilience, particularly in the second half after a 10-10 tie at halftime, indicating that their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia are well underway.