"Celebration and reflection"
Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji leads his teammates as players of of Fiji perform the Cibi prior to the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 17, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France.
Photo:
World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
The former Flying Fijians captain, Waisea Nayacalevu, has announced his retirement from test rugby.
Nayacalevu, 33, made the announcement through the Fiji Rugby Union in Suva on Wednesday.
He made his international debut in 2012 and went on to earn 43 caps for the Flying Fijians, becoming a fan favorite for his powerful runs, defensive prowess, and inspirational leadership.
He captained Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and
Fiji famously beat Australia 22-15,
the first time they had beaten the Wallabies in 15s for nearly 70 years.
Nayacalevu was also involved in a spat with the union after he alleged corruption in the ranks.
In a tell-all with the Daily Mail, he made claims including that
the team almost boycotted the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match
against England because they weren't paid what was "promised" to them by the union.
The union said it engaged the services of I. Naiveli & Co Chartered Accountants to conduct an investigation, and
no players came forward with evidence
of corruption.
Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji leads the Cibi during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Fiji at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 10, 2023 in Bordeaux, France.
Photo:
World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images
Before earning his test caps, Nayacalevu was also a key member of the Fiji sevens team.
"Today is a day of both celebration and reflection - a day I never imagined would come so quickly when I first wore the white jersey of Fiji back in 2012," he said.
"After more than a decade representing my country, my family, and myself on the rugby field, I stand before you to announce my retirement from international rugby.
"This is not an easy decision - because rugby has been more than just a game to me. It's been my passion, my purpose, and my teacher.
"It has taken me around the world, allowed me to form lifelong bonds, and given me the honor of standing shoulder to shoulder with warriors who bleed for this nation."
Nayacalevu thanked his team-mates, saying they had "become my brothers".
"We've shared sweat, pain, joy, and glory together. I'll carry those memories forever.
"To the coaches and staff who believed in me and helped shape me into the player and man I am today - vinaka vakalevu."
Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji celebrates after he dives in to score a try against Wales
Photo:
PHOTOSPORT
Nayacalevu said he owed a lot to his family, and also paid tribute to the fans.
"To the people of Fiji - thank you for your endless love. Whether it was a roar from the crowd at home, a flag in the stands overseas, or a quiet word of encouragement - I felt your pride every time I stepped onto the field."
FRU Board chairman John Sanday, said Nayacalevu was a true Fiji rugby ambassador "on and off the field".
"His dedication, skill, and leadership have inspired countless young players across the nation," Sanday, a former Flying Fijian himself, said.
"While we will miss seeing him in the white jersey, his legacy will live on."
Flying Fijians head coach, Mick Byrne, also acknowledged Nayacalevu.
"Waisea has been an inspirational captain for many years. Leading them through a successful 2023 [Rugby World Cup]," Byrne said.
"It was a pleasure to work with Waisea over the past season. He was very supportive and a strong voice for the players."
Nayacalevu will continue playing club rugby in France for Nice.
He is expected to play in France's third tier, Pro D2, having played previosuly for Ospreys in Wales, plus Stade Français and Toulon in France.
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Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji leads his teammates as players of of Fiji perform the Cibi prior to the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Australia and Fiji at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on September 17, 2023 in Saint-Etienne, France. Photo: World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images The former Flying Fijians captain, Waisea Nayacalevu, has announced his retirement from test rugby. Nayacalevu, 33, made the announcement through the Fiji Rugby Union in Suva on Wednesday. He made his international debut in 2012 and went on to earn 43 caps for the Flying Fijians, becoming a fan favorite for his powerful runs, defensive prowess, and inspirational leadership. He captained Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup and Fiji famously beat Australia 22-15, the first time they had beaten the Wallabies in 15s for nearly 70 years. Nayacalevu was also involved in a spat with the union after he alleged corruption in the ranks. In a tell-all with the Daily Mail, he made claims including that the team almost boycotted the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match against England because they weren't paid what was "promised" to them by the union. The union said it engaged the services of I. Naiveli & Co Chartered Accountants to conduct an investigation, and no players came forward with evidence of corruption. Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji leads the Cibi during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Wales and Fiji at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux on September 10, 2023 in Bordeaux, France. Photo: World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images Before earning his test caps, Nayacalevu was also a key member of the Fiji sevens team. "Today is a day of both celebration and reflection - a day I never imagined would come so quickly when I first wore the white jersey of Fiji back in 2012," he said. "After more than a decade representing my country, my family, and myself on the rugby field, I stand before you to announce my retirement from international rugby. "This is not an easy decision - because rugby has been more than just a game to me. It's been my passion, my purpose, and my teacher. "It has taken me around the world, allowed me to form lifelong bonds, and given me the honor of standing shoulder to shoulder with warriors who bleed for this nation." Nayacalevu thanked his team-mates, saying they had "become my brothers". "We've shared sweat, pain, joy, and glory together. I'll carry those memories forever. "To the coaches and staff who believed in me and helped shape me into the player and man I am today - vinaka vakalevu." Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji celebrates after he dives in to score a try against Wales Photo: PHOTOSPORT Nayacalevu said he owed a lot to his family, and also paid tribute to the fans. "To the people of Fiji - thank you for your endless love. Whether it was a roar from the crowd at home, a flag in the stands overseas, or a quiet word of encouragement - I felt your pride every time I stepped onto the field." FRU Board chairman John Sanday, said Nayacalevu was a true Fiji rugby ambassador "on and off the field". "His dedication, skill, and leadership have inspired countless young players across the nation," Sanday, a former Flying Fijian himself, said. "While we will miss seeing him in the white jersey, his legacy will live on." Flying Fijians head coach, Mick Byrne, also acknowledged Nayacalevu. "Waisea has been an inspirational captain for many years. Leading them through a successful 2023 [Rugby World Cup]," Byrne said. "It was a pleasure to work with Waisea over the past season. He was very supportive and a strong voice for the players." Nayacalevu will continue playing club rugby in France for Nice. He is expected to play in France's third tier, Pro D2, having played previosuly for Ospreys in Wales, plus Stade Français and Toulon in France.
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