Ospreys sign ‘walking highlight reel’ from Premiership side who they expect to make ‘instant impact’
Fiji centre Waisea Nayacalevu taking contact against Wales.
Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu has signed for the Ospreys as injury cover for Wales centre Owen Watkin and arrives at the region from Premiership outfit Sale Sharks.
The contract will run until the end of the 2024/25 campaign and the international star has been backed to make an “instant impact” at the club by head coach Mark Jones.
Nayacalevu will bring huge experience to the Ospreys and is set to play a vital role in their season run-in, with the Welsh side battling both in the URC and Challenge Cup.
Perfect platform
“It’s a real honour to be signing with the Ospreys. There’s some world class talent here and I’m looking forward to playing alongside them,” said the powerful Fijian centre.
“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 the field and off it.
“Having spoken to Mark and watched the Ospreys in recent weeks, I feel the team’s style of play can offer me the perfect platform to deliver my best rugby and this played an important role in my decision.”
Nayacalevu enjoyed an excellent spell at Top 14 side Stade Francais, racking up 200 appearances, while he also turned out for Toulon before heading to Sale Sharks.
However, things have not worked out at the Premiership club as he struggled with injury and Ospreys head coach Jones was only too happy to move for the 40-cap centre.
“It’s not often a player of Waisea’s calibre becomes available in-season,” Jones said.
“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 maker for us in Owen’s (Watkin) absence, and stands us in good stead in a season where we still have a lot to play for.”
Sale statement
Sale Sharks director of rugby Alex Sanderson wished Nayacalevu well in the United Rugby Championship and thanked him for how he’s mentored youngsters at the club.
“Waisea has been fantastic with the younger players especially while he’s been here,” he said.
“Unfortunately we haven’t seen the best of him in a Sharks shirt but he’s a great guy, a brilliant player and everyone at Sale wishes him all the best for the future.”
