Flying Fijians Unite in Protest Against Union Policies

According to reports, senior Flying Fijians players—some of whom competed in the France 2023 Rugby World Cup—have demanded significant reforms at the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU).

 

This week, the players met with FBC Sports in Suva, and last week, former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu claimed to have proof for his accusations of corruption against the union.

In an interview with FBC Sports, Levani Botia and Viliame Mata, who are stationed in France, as well as Albert Tuisue and Ratu Meli Derenalagi, who play for the Flying Fijians, expressed their desire for a thorough cleaning of Rugby House.

 

They claimed that since player payment delays have persisted over time without showing any signs of abating, things must improve.

 

In a candid interview with the Daily Mail last week, Botia confirmed that Nayacalevu’s allegations were accurate.

The rugged flanker claimed he and others needed to never stop encouraging players to concentrate on the games rather than their allowances and compensation.

“We kept pushing the players to play because this is something we talk about is that we have to play and not worry about the money, they (FRU) will do their job and we trusted them to do their job so some of the boys did not receive their payment and some of the boys do not have their bonus.”

 

In response to Nayacalevu’s allegations that the team would boycott their quarterfinal matchup with England in France because to untimely allowance and incentive payments, the FRU has responded.

 

While acknowledging their tardiness, interim chairman Peter Mazey noted that all expenses had been covered.

He also asked Nayacalevu to present proof.

According to FBC Sports, Nayacalevu is prepared to present proof.

FBC Sports is reporting that Nayacalevu is ready to provide evidence.

“If you guys want evidence, I’ll send it to you,” he told the state broadcaster.

“This concerning the last tour, especially how can you send a manager to a tour with a credit card without any money in there to pay for the teams excess luggage for the team and the coaches have to pay for the excess luggage for a few other players at the airport flying from Fiji to London.

 

“And the coach have to pay for the laundries, lunches out and dinner and that just shows how it is.”

The manager at the time was Eleina Macdonald, who has since been changed with Bill Gadolo, the manager to the World Cup.

He claimed that throughout his time with the Flying Fiijians, this situation had occurred repeatedly.

Nayacalevu stated that because they too have families to feed and debts to pay, they demand, like any other hired person, to be paid on time and in accordance with what is promised.

 

“Everything has been piling up for me personally and when they asked that question, I just exploded – I’m just going to tell you the truth that this is what really happened during the World Cup.”

 

He claimed that the FRU is defending these matters on the defensive.

Last year, during their training in Fiji prior to the world meet, the team’s big number eight, Peceli Yato, had left.

When RNZ Pacific asked Yato to speak with them for an interview, he stated he couldn’t talk about what happened.

In response to the players’ most recent disclosures, the FRU has not yet responded.