Fiji skipper Nayacalevu joins Wales' Ospreys from England's Sale

The National Times - Fiji skipper Nayacalevu joins Wales' Ospreys from England's Sale

SPORTS 24.02.2025

Fiji skipper Nayacalevu joins Wales' Ospreys from England's Sale / Photo: © AFP/File

Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu has joined the Ospreys as injury cover for Wales centre Owen Watkin until the end of this season, the Welsh regional side announced Monday.

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Nayacalevu, who led his country at the 2023 World Cup in France, has left English Premiership club Sale Sharks with immediate effect.

Watkin suffered a severe knee injury during Wales' Six Nations opener against France in Paris last month, and he is not expected to play again this season.

"It is not often a player of Waisea's calibre becomes available in-season," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones. "He brings a wealth of experience and leadership credentials with him.

"We feel Waisea can make an instant impact and be a real difference-maker for us in Owen's absence, and stands us in good stead in a season where we still have a lot to play for."

Nayacalevu, 34, signed a one-year deal with Sale before the current season, but failed to secure a regular first-team place at the northwest club.

"Unfortunately, we haven't seen the best of him in a Sharks shirt, but he is a great guy, a brilliant player, and everyone at Sale wishes him all the best for the future," Sale rugby director Alex Sanderson told the club's website.

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The National Times - Fiji skipper Nayacalevu joins Wales' Ospreys from England's Sale