It’s been less than two months since Waisea Nayacalevu sat down with Mail Sport and declared that Fijian rugby needs to ‘block the virus’ of corruption that is preventing its best players from performing on the international stage.
Nayacalevu said Fijian players were close to going on strike ahead of last year’s World Cup quarter-final against England over non-payment of wages. The 34-year-old center’s words were brave. Nayacalevu put his head above the parapet and appeared on national television in his home country to discuss Fiji rugby issues with the prime minister.
Nayacalevu was prepared to go where no Fijian player had gone before by criticizing his country’s rugby coaches. His strong leadership undoubtedly paid off.
‘The results were really good. Nayakalevu said ahead of Wales’ match against Fiji in Cardiff on Sunday that the boys had been paid on time for their summer Tests.
‘Everything about my finances is up to date. Maybe it’s because of something I did. It’s fair to say there are no distractions now. Hopefully, that won’t happen again.
Waisea Nayacalevu has criticized Fiji’s rugby coach and his stance has paid off.
Nayacalevu told Mail Sport two months ago that Fiji had considered attacking at last year’s World Cup.
Fijian players have been paid on time ahead of European Test matches.
‘I’m proud of what I did. I always speak honestly. This has happened so many times that I figured if I had to speak up, I had to do it, regardless of the consequences. ‘Change was needed for the Fiji team to improve. I don’t know if that’s my legacy. I’m just interested in improving Fijian rugby for future generations.
‘The talent in Fiji is enormous. If we are looked after and managed well, we can reach the level of a big team. That’s our goal.
‘We need support to showcase and perform the true talent of Fijian rugby.’
Fiji has always been able to compete with the best countries on the planet in terms of pure rugby. The free-spirited and aggressive talent they possess is sometimes surprising. But for too long their off-field structure has not been the norm for leading teams in the sport.
Now that things most Test players take for granted, such as paying wages on time, have been sorted out, Fiji can focus entirely on on-field matters.
But old habits don’t go away easily. My interview with Nayacalevu took place over a morning spent in the lobby of the Cardiff Bay Hotel in Fiji. Fiji is still making strides in professionalism.
‘There are no journalists on this tour,’ Nayakalevu said, smiling, his gold teeth glistening in the light. ‘I don’t know why we’re not there. ‘You succeeded in tracking me down!’
Now with Sale in the Gallagher Premiership, Nayacalevu has previously called the Fijian board ‘unprofessional’. But his summit with Prime Minister Sitibeni Labuka paved the way for a brighter future. A Fijian side with no distractions causes problems for Wales. Both teams will nominate teams for Sunday’s game on Friday.
Nayacalevu is proud of his position and acknowledges the progress Fiji has made towards becoming more professional.
The 34-year-old, who plays for Sale, discussed the matter with the Prime Minister of Fiji.
Nayakalevu believes that increased professionalism will lead to more consistent performance.
The Fijian squad lost 57-17 to Scotland last weekend but now have reinforcements.
‘The Prime Minister has played for Fiji so he understands the players’ perspective. He wanted to support the boys,’ Nayakalevu said.
‘It is important that the people of Fiji Rugby Union take these issues seriously. This isn’t just rugby.
‘This is international rugby. This is the highest level. Mentally you have to be right. Because otherwise it could ruin you. Nothing else can happen at the international level.
‘It affects the boys’ preparation. We asked the Fiji Rugby Union who was responsible. Things have changed a lot, especially with regard to the allowances paid to players. That was a big step forward. Some boys even said they received their pay two days before they were due! I hope it goes on forever!’
Nayacalevu went on to add: ‘Once you take care of your players, they will take care of themselves. That’s the way it is. If you keep being mean to your players and not investing in them, some will just want out. People know when things are bad***.
‘They’ll have had enough. We are all human. Sometimes things explode and it becomes too much. But now everyone is focused.
‘In today’s society, everything is about money. People work hard, especially in Fiji. If you’re playing for your life, you need to get paid on time. As athletes, we have families and bills to pay. We are just like everyone else. If you are a business and you don’t pay your employees, what are the consequences? People are not happy.
‘As we become more professional, we will be more consistent.’
The Fiji team, which lost 57-17 to Scotland in Edinburgh last Saturday, has been boosted by the arrival of star players based in England and France.
Nayacalevu, Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra will provide a tougher challenge for a young Wales side who have lost their last nine Tests.
Had Radradra not dropped a pass with the clock red the last time the two sides met in the 2023 World Cup opener, Fiji would have had the upper hand in the thrilling contest. Eventually Radradra knocked and Wales held on. The Fijian fighters prepared for the rematch over a steak dinner at a popular Cardiff restaurant.
Fiji will be boosted by the return of star players including Josua Tuisova, pictured.
Fiji came close to beating Wales in last year’s World Cup, but the performance came agonizingly short.
Fiji would have won a closely contested pool match if Semi Radradra had not dropped a pass.
A team liaison provided by the Welsh Rugby Union introduced Nayacalevu and Co to Welsh cakes. Hot and sweet treats are taking us by storm.
‘Oh, this is the last chance we had to win,’ Nayakalevu said. His voice trailed off as he recalled Fiji’s final loss to Wales in Bordeaux. ‘It was heartbreaking.
‘We know Wales will be in good form this weekend. It’s been a bit of a chaotic week with players flying in from Europe, but we like it that way!
‘Everyone is happy here. The last time we all met was in the summer when the United States played New Zealand. After that, most of the players who were active in Fiji returned to their hometowns. It is very humbling that we are back together as a complete team.
‘Unfortunately we didn’t get a good result in Scotland last week so we’ve worked really hard and are looking forward to a big challenge on Sunday. I have played against Wales a number of times.
‘We want to maintain the same vision of Fiji. ‘We want to make rugby fun and free to play for the public the way we play at home on the island.’
