Waisea Nayacalevu should have been asked to specify exactly what he means by this statement, says Fiji Rugby Football Union Trust Board chairman Peter Mazey in a statement.
Nayacalevu, in an interview with Daily Mail’s rugby correspondent Nick Simon, claimed corruption was rife within the Rugby House, after revealing that he and a number of players were ready to boycott their quarterfinal clash against England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“Our concern is the serious accusations of corruption at Fiji Rugby. He should have been asked to specify exactly what he means by this statement,” Mazey said in a statement on Tuesday night.
“Does he know of any specific cases of corruption?
“If so, please lay out the evidence for all to examine.”
The trustees assumed leadership of Fiji Rugby four months before the tournament, emphasised that their primary concern was securing funding to facilitate the team’s participation in the RWC.
“The consequence of such a boycott would likely have been Fiji players and Fiji Rugby being expelled from participating in RWC matches,” Mazey said in a statement on Tuesday night.
Mazey said Fiji Rugby could not and would never risk a boycott of any match by a Fiji Rugby team.
“Let alone a quarter-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The consequence of such a boycott would likely have been Fiji players and Fiji Rugby being expelled from participating in World Rugby matches.
“Waisea as captain and the senior players were aware of this but unfortunately still proceeded with their demands.
Following negotiations, an agreement was reached where each member of the Flying Fijians squad, consisting of 33 players, received a sign-on fee of $30,000.
“The bonus was not only promised but was paid. The sign on fee of $30,000 has been paid. The $500 daily allowance has been paid. In total, each player in the squad for the duration of the camp and RWC received around $105,000 for playing in the World Cup.”
The trustees expressed regret over the circumstances that led to the bonus payment dispute, highlighting the potential consequences of a boycott on Fiji Rugby’s reputation and standing in the international rugby community.
The board reiterated their commitment to support the team in future competitions, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement in team management and performance.