Latest news with #WaiseaNayacalevu
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
"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.
BBC News
28-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Nayacalevu leaves Ospreys without playing a game
Waisea Nayacalevu has left Ospreys without playing a game due to personal international Nayacalevu, 34, joined Ospreys from Sale on a short-term deal in February as cover for injured Wales centre Owen he did not feature in United Rugby Championship (URC) matches against Glasgow and Connacht, with head coach Mark Jones saying last weekend: "He has got a personal matter at the moment where we are allowing him to spend time with his family."We feel that is important and we are giving him the time to get that right."Once that is bottomed out we will see where he is at and where we can go next with him." However, ahead of their Welsh derby URC fixture with Scarlets on Saturday (15:00 GMT), Ospreys say Nayacalevu will leave the region.A statement read: "Waisea signed in February and was due to remain with the club until June but, due to personal reasons, it has been mutually agreed to end his contract with immediate effect."We wish him the best for his future endeavours."Nayacalevu started his career with Stade Francais before joining fellow French side Toulon in spent two seasons at Stade Mayol before joining Sale last year.
BBC News
24-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Fiji centre Nayacalevu joins Ospreys from Sale
Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu has signed for Ospreys from Sale on a deal until the end of the season as cover for injured centre Owen 34, joined Sale from Toulon for the start of the 2024-25 season as a replacement for Manu Tuilagi and has played seven games for the English side during this had agreed a one-year deal with the Sharks with the option of a further 12 months but has now left spent a decade at Stade Francais where he scored 82 tries in 200 switched to Toulon two years ago and is in line for a return to French club rugby next scored a try in Fiji's famous win at Twickenham before the 2023 World Cup, a tournament in which he captained his country. He also led Fiji to victory against Wales in November 2024 in Cardiff. "It's a real honour to be signing with the Ospreys," said Nayacalevu."There's some world-class talent here and I'm looking forward to playing alongside them."Stepping into a team where quality experience is combined with exciting potential is ideal for me at this stage of my career. "I believe I can contribute heavily to the squad this season, both on and off the field."Ospreys are 13th in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and have not given up hope of reaching the play-offs by finishing in the top eight, while they also face Scarlets in Europe's Challenge Cup last 16 in early suffered a serious knee injury playing for Wales against France in the Six Nations opener in January and will miss the rest of the season."It's not often a player of Waisea's calibre becomes available in the season," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones."He brings a wealth of experience and leadership credentials with him, which can only be a good thing for our youngsters coming through."We feel Waisea can make an instant impact and be a real difference for us in Owen's absence."It stands us in good stead in a season where we still have a lot to play for."
