Fiji star heads to the URC

NEWS: 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.

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.

Croeso, Waisea 🖤

The Ospreys confirmed today that Fiji captain, Waisea Nayacalevu has joined the team from Sale Sharks. Nayacalevu will join the team as injury cover for Owen Watkin until the end of the 24/25 season.

Read more: https://t.co/ZzwXGVMeEd 📰
Next home game:… pic.twitter.com/UlVM6l9qfP

— Ospreys (@ospreys) February 24, 2025

“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 Sharks 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.