Fiji Rugby chief executive Roverto Nayacalevu resigns after one year in role
Fiji Rugby House Suva
Photo:
Alex Perrottet/RNZ
Fiji Rugby's chief executive Roverto Nayacalevu has resigend just 12 months into the role.
Nayacalevu was appointed to the role in May last year.
In a statement on Wednesday, the union said officially stepped down from his role "effective immediately, due to personal reasons.
Fiji Rakavi Football Union Board, the operational and governance body for the union, has appointed former Fiji international and rugby executive Koli Sewabu as acting CEO.
Sewabu brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field, having represented Fiji at the highest levels and held various leadership and development roles within the game, the statement said.
"Mr. Sewabu's appointment ensures continuity and stability during this transition," said the Chairperson of FRFU Ltd. "We are confident in his ability to lead the organization as we continue to reform, grow, and elevate Fijian rugby."
The statement said his leadership transition does not impact the direction or momentum of the ongoing reforms.
It said Fiji Remains committed to strengthening governance and transparency, expanding commercial partnerships and financial sustainability, supporting provincial unions, players, and grassroots development, and driving high performance in both the 15s and 7s programs for men and women.
"Stakeholders, sponsors, players, and fans can be assured that Fiji Rugby is firmly focused on building a stronger, more professional, and globally competitive organisation."
The Board thanked Nayacalevu for his service and contribution to Fiji Rugby and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Māori, Pacific removed from extra education funding priorities
The Tertiary Education Commission warns it doesn't have enough money to cover enrolment growth next year. Photo: AFP The government will remove extra funding for Māori and Pacific enrolments in vocational courses, and trim funding for workplace training. The Tertiary Education Commission told institutions this week it was "reprioritising a small amount - approximately 8 percent - of learner component funding towards provider-based delivery rates, through the removal of Māori and Pacific learners as an eligible category". The weightings for Māori and Pacific enrolments were worth $152 for each student enrolling in work-based level 1-2 certificates and courses at levels 3-6, and $364 per student in non-degree level 7 courses. However, the $1327 weighting for disabled students and students with low prior educational achievement would continue. The payments were added to subsidies for courses offered by polytechnics and private providers, ranging from $6584 for humanities and business courses to nearly $11,786 for health, science, engineering and agriculture, and $19,753 for special agriculture. The commission said funding for work-based training and education would drop 10 percent, while also repeating warnings from earlier in the year that it would not have enough money to cover enrolment growth next year . "Current forecasts indicate the demand for funding will be greater than what we have available to allocate," it said. "Given the multi-year nature of much education and training, we will need to prioritise our future investment." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Moana Pasifika review: Mass exodus and late drubbings take gloss off shining season
Captain Ardie Savea celebrates a win over the Blues. Photo: Brett Phibbs / In 2025, Moana Pasifika made believers of many. They came within one win of beating every New Zealand franchise, brought life to a dormant stadium and silenced plenty of critics. More importantly, they proved the project is working, giving Pacific players a platform, fans an identity and YouTube plenty of highlights. They would also drop a bombshell in the week following their elimination, announcing the departure of 15 players, six of whom had been with them since the start. Moana Pasifika ultimately fell short of their ambition of playoff footy and, after conceding 149 points in their last two games, the gloss was somewhat taken off a very bright season. Jonty Dine looks back at the historic year that was. Beating big brothers The rivalry between the two Auckland-based franchises only grew in 2025 and, of all their Kiwi scalps, none was more satisfying than the 27-21 defeat of the Blues in front of the Albany faithful. Captain Ardie Savea produced what was described as the greatest individual performance in the competition's history. Conquering Crusaders An upset for the ages, Moana's jaw-dropping 45-29 victory in "the toughest place to play in Super" suddenly gave rivals no choice but to put some respect on their name. Miracle scores thrice The encapsulation of what Moana was about - providing a platform for a Pacific player struggling to break into the top leagues - Miracle Faiʻilagi repaid the faith shown in him with this spectacular trio of tries against the Hurricanes, as they scored another upset over a New Zealand franchise, holding off the Hurricanes 40-31. New Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga helped change the franchise culture. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Ending Highlander hopes In a thriller under the Dunedin roof, Moana halfback Melani Matavao had his own 'hand of God' moment , as he charged down a Taine Robinson clearance, regathered and scored the matchwinner to eliminate the Highlanders from playoff contention with an enthralling 34-29 victory. Back to back After their monumental win in Christchurch, the question was could Moana back it up against the Waratahs the next week? Answering in emphatic fashion, a treble for prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou drove the 45-28 win. Ominous start Moana Pasifika were left to lament a three-loss run to start their campaign, a stretch of games that could have easily ended very differently. In their opening clash with Western Force in Perth, a 12-try epic concluded in heartbreaking fashion for the visitors. Down by 13 points with five minutes to play, the Force brought it back within six, before first-five Ben Donaldson inexplicably went 80 metres to score under the sticks and steal it. Similarly, Moana's round three match with the Highlanders - their first at home - saw them fall just two points short, after mounting a stunning comeback. Blanked by Brumbies An Ardie Savea-less Moana Pasifika failed to fire a shot on a damp day in Pukekohe, beaten 24-0 and sparking criticisms for the side's insistence on turning down kickable penalties . Ardie Savea leads the Moana Pasifika challenge. Photo: Photosport Hamilton humiliation While the Brumbies defeat stung, the hiding dished out by the Chiefs was effectively the blow that ended Moana Pasifika's playoff hopes, humbled in Hamilton 85-7 at the hands of a ruthless Chiefs side . Wheels come off in Welly While the fans embraced the return of one of Wellington's favourite sons - Savea - to the city, the Hurricanes were far less welcoming, handing Moana Pasifika a 64-12 hiding at the 'Cake Tin' to officially kill their campaign. Disrespectfully labelled a band of battlers in some corners, the Moana Pasifika squad proved they were anything but, with several players stamping their mark in Super Rugby 2025. Patrick Pellegrini While the pre-season talk centred around Jackson Garden-Bachop taking the reins, the unheralded Pellegrini made the biggest moves. His powerful punt, astute game management and deceptive speed saw him touted as one of the premier first-fives in the competition. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa A schoolboy star after making the bold move from Auckland to Invercargill, the blockbusting No.8 thrived alongside Savea and even thrust his name into All Blacks bolter conversations. Feleti Sae-Taʻufoʻou Another big mover was hulking prop Sae-Taʻufoʻou, announcing himself with a hattrick against the Waratahs, the Turbo was brutal with ball in hand. Moana Pasifika first-five Patrick Pellegreni Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress The primary focus upon Moana's inception was to provide a professional platform for Pasifika players who may be overlooked elsewhere. Several players epitomised this by playing their career best rugby after moving there in 2025. Lalomilo Lalomilo After making just two appearances for the Chiefs in 2023, Lalomilo had bided his time since earning national U20 selection. He returned north and appeared to find a permanent home in the Moana Pasifika midfield. A powerful runner, the Samoan is far from one-dimensional, showcasing some classy touches Jonathan Taumateine Halfback Taumatene found himself lost in the shuffle at both the Chiefs and Hurricanes, before signing with Moana Pasifika in their inaugural season. He was often stuck behind Ere Enari in the pecking order for his first three years with the side, but Umaga showed plenty of faith in Taumateine, who delivered some quality performances Millennium Sanerivi Another who produced a season as epic as his name and another Chiefs development player unable to crack the main squad, the former King's College First XV captain made his debut at hooker in round one against the Force and locked down the No.2 jersey, playing 13 of 15 games. This phenomenon was evident from the very first media session of the year, when a horde of journalists huddled around Moana Pasifika's superstar signing - the biggest coup in Super Rugby history. Ardie Savea made a mockery of claims his game would suffer at Moana Pasifika. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Making a mockery of predictions his game would suffer at the franchise, Savea was simply sensational for his adopted franchise, taking his game to levels rivalling the greatest players in the game's history. Influence is an understatement - Savea's men would follow him into war. A generational figure, who has become only more mythical at Moana Pasifika. Without a home in 2024, Moana struggled to find a sense of belonging, as they bounced between venues, sharing Go Media Stadium with the Warriors and unable to forge a genuine connection with their fanbase. Enter Albany. Moana Pasifika brought a serious injection of life to a ground in dire need of a rebirth. The atmosphere at QBE Stadium was electric and the roar when Savea snatched the matchwinning pilfer against the Blues absolutely deafening. They may have only numbered about 10,000, but the fans brought the energy and passion of a million. Tonga turmoil In a significant blow to Pacific rugby, Moana Pasifika were forced to relocate a home game against the Chiefs from Tonga to Pukekohe, due to logistical barriers on the island. Assurances have been made for efforts to make the fixture a reality in 2026, but Tongans will no doubt be sceptical. Miracle Faiʻilagi's hattrick of tries were a season highlight. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Sharks circle Fears the side would simply become a poaching ground for bigger franchises were proven justified, when Moana's top two 2023 performers - Timoci Tavatavanawai and Levi Aumua - were snapped up by the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively. Unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing with dynamic young winger Kyren Taumoefolau likely lured away by the Chiefs for next year. Roster reset In a jaw-dropping post-season move, Moana announced the mass release of Fine and Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Michael Curry, Sione Havili-Talitui, Kyren Taumoefolau, Pepesana Patafilo, Alamanda Motuga, Sama Malolo, Aisea Halo, Tomasi Maka, Connor Seve, Irie Papuni and Pone Fa'amausili from the franchise. A significant shake up to the squad, though it could open the door for more star signings. While the NPC's 'Battle of the Bridge' has fizzled, a new Auckland grudge match has been born. What began as a cordial co-existence has become an increasingly heated feud between Moana Pasifika and the Blues. While the Blues say the right things on camera about the respect they have for Moana, the players and coaches across the bridge have spoken about the negative narratives coming from their so-called 'big brothers'. After Moana's official elimination from playoff contention, the Blues celebrated their finals berth with a post on Instagram saying "Keep doubtin us, we just picking the right time, don't care who side u on, there's only one of us in the finals". Moana Pasifika skipper Savea clapped back with "Lions don't care about the opinions of sheep". Shots fired. The scoreline was one apiece in 2025 and next year's clashes are bound to be barnburners. Rating B- 7/10 3.5 stars Moana Pasifika didn't reach the promised land in 2025, but they found their compass. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

RNZ News
19 hours ago
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific: Moana Pasifika release 15 players from franchise
Moana Pasifika. Photo: Andy Radka/ActionPress Moana Pasifika have dropped a bombshell in the form of 15 players. The franchise announced on social media the mass release of squad members, many of whom have been with the side since its inception. Also leaving is star winger Kyren Taumoefolau, rumoured to be heading to the Chiefs and former skipper Sione Havili-Talitui. The players released include Fine and Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Michael Curry, Havili-Talitui, Taumoefolau, Pepesana Patafilo, Alamanda Motuga, Sama Malolo, Aisea Halo, Tomasi Maka, Connor Seve, Irie Papuni and Pone Fa'amausili. "Goodbyes are never easy, but they remind us just how meaningful the journey has been. Thank you brothers for everything," Moana posted on their social media channels. Moana enjoyed their strongest season to date in 2025, picking up wins over every Kiwi franchise except the Chiefs, and narrowly missing out on a play-off berth, finishing in seventh. However, the gloss was somewhat removed from a sparking start, conceding 149 points in their final two outings.