men’s
club rugby
Ex-Fiji skipper Waisea Nayacalevu is set to play his inaugural match for Rugby Olympique de Grasse, albeit in an unexpected position: packing down at number eight for the Fédérale 2 outfit.
The veteran midfielder departed Nissa Rugby following a successful campaign that saw the southeastern French team earn promotion to the Pro D2, a run in which he crossed the try line three times over 11 matches. Since his contract as a center was not extended, he became a free agent, prompting RO Grasse to acquire the Fijian icon on a multi-year agreement of unspecified length.
Representing the fifth division of rugby union in France, Fédérale 2 ranks beneath the Top 14, Pro D2, Nationale, and Fédérale 1. It operates primarily as an amateur league, though select teams also employ semi-professional athletes.
Having sat out the inaugural fixture of the Fédérale 2 Pool 3 campaign, the capped Fijian representative is poised to make his first appearance for his new side, transitioning into the forwards.
This selection marks a career-first for Nayacalevu in the scrum, as his previous experience has been almost entirely concentrated in the midfield or along the flanks.
The Fiji international launched his professional journey with Stade Français, representing the Parisian side between 2013 and 2022, a tenure highlighted by an EPCR Challenge Cup victory in 2017.
Moving within the Top 14 in 2022, he committed to a two-year stint with RC Toulon, which was followed by short tenures at Sale Sharks and the Ospreys. On the international stage, his test debut occurred in 2012, marked by a try during Fiji’s 25-19 triumph against Japan. Accumulating over 35 appearances for his country, Nayacalevu participated in three editions of the Men’s Rugby World Cup, recording ten matches and four tries throughout those tournaments.
The midfielder’s most recent outing for the Flying Fijians took place in 2024 at Aviva Stadium, where the visiting Pacific Islanders suffered a heavy 52-17 loss against Ireland.
Looking at his new team, RO Grasse enjoyed an encouraging start to their Fédérale 2 season, claiming a victory over Avignon le Pontet Rugby during the opening round of play.
