It’s a serious matter when former Flying Fijians captain Waisea Nayacalevu alleged that corruptive practices do exist at Rugby House.

He made the accusation during an interview with the Daily Mail highlighting the Flying Fijians’ plan to boycott last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England due to unpaid bonuses.

Nayacalevu seemed adamant with his allegations of corruption, when he even likened it to a virus that needed to be ‘cut off’ for things to improve.

No one denies the fact, that Nayacalevu has the right to voice his grievances.

However, the 34-year-old must exercise caution and maturity; if he is to make such allegations especially when there are hardworking staff members at Rugby

House who, despite all the challenges, are doing all their best for the development of the sport in the country.

Nayacalevu cannot rave like a madman making all sorts of allegations without producing any evidence.

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has been diplomatic with its reply; challenging Nayacalevu to lay out evidence of all the allegations he has made.

If he fails to do it, then it’s unbecoming of a Flying Fijian captain who has failed in his duty to guard and protect the very institution that made him what he is today.

The FRU has confirmed the boycott threat by Nayacalevu along with senior players Semi Radradra and Levani Botia.

“The consequence of such a boycott would likely have been Fiji players and Fiji Rugby being expelled from participating in World Rugby matches,” FRU interim Trustees chairman Peter Mazey said in a statement.

“Waisea (Nayacalevu) as captain and the senior players were aware of this but unfortunately still proceeded with their demands.

“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.

“Does he know of any specific cases of corruption? If so, please lay out the evidence for all to examine.”

The FRU must be ready to take Nayacalevu to task if he fails to produce evidence of all the allegations he has made.

This is a must and should serve as a lesson to other rugby Fijian players that do not know what their status is like in the rugby world. No one is bigger than the game and should stay away from making such allegations if they don’t have anything to back them up.

On track

Meanwhile, congratulations to the Flying Fijians for defying all odds to retain the Pacific Nations Cup in Osaka, Japan, on Saturday night. The Mick Byrnecoached side walloped favourites Japan 41-17 in the final.

The Eddie Jones-coached Japanese side ‘SIMPLY’ had no answer when the Flying Fijians ran riot in the second-half after they were tied 10-all during the interval.

Byrne took on a new-look side and buildingup process to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, is definitely on track.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj