Fiji skipper Waisea Nayacalevu posts ‘warriors who bleed for this nation’ message after confirming his Test rugby retirement
Waisea Nayacalevu reacts while playing for Fiji at Rugby World Cup 2023
Waisea Nayacalevu has announced his retirement from Test rugby seven months after his last appearance for Fiji.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup skipper started in midfield in the tour-ending November 2024 match away to Ireland in Dublin – his 40th cap – but the soon-to-be 35-year-old won’t play again for his country.
Following a club season that started at Sale and ended with a short-term deal at Ospreys, the Fijian has signed for Nice in next season’s Nationale following their French Pro D2 relegation.
He has now taken to Instagram to explain his decision to step away from Test rugby with Fiji, whom he skippered to the quarter-finals against England at France 2023.
“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 wrote on Wednesday.
“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 has been my passion, my purpose and my teacher. It has taken me around the world, allowed me to form life-long bonds, and given me the honour of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with warriors who bleed for this nation.
“I retire with no regrets…”
“To my teammates past and present, thank you. You have become my brothers. Thank you very much for all the history-breaking achievements we made and all the losses that we learned from to make us better. We have 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. To my family, your sacrifices, prayers and constant support have been the backbone of my journey. You carried me when I was tired and lifted me when I fell.
“And 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.
“Today is not a goodbye to rugby. It’s just the end of one chapter. I look forward to giving back, whether it’s mentoring the next generation, supporting our grassroots programs or simply being a proud fan in the stands.
“I retire with no regrets, only gratitude for every try scored, every challenge faced, and every anthem sung. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Fiji. This jersey may leave my shoulders, but it will never leave my heart. Vinaka vaka levu, God bless and moce mada.”
