Nacebe flies to France to secure rugby deal
Fiji Airways Fijian Drua first-five eighth Peceli Nacebe flew out of the country yesterday after securing a rugby deal with a club in France.
This was confirmed by his uncle and Jisu Na i Wali Ni Leqa Ministry leader Pastor Josaia Naka.
The Mavua, Nadroga, native is being eyed by Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber and Fiji Airways Flying Fijians coach John McKee as a future prospect.
“He missed his flight after presenting his i-tatau (seeking traditional blessing) to me yesterday (Thursday) but he flew out of the country today (yesterday) for France. But it is still unclear what club he is going to join,” Pastor Naka said.
Nadroga Rugby Union president Tiko Matawalu said Nacebe would be one of the many rugby players in their province whose contracts were still under negotiation.
“We are aware that he will be going to France but we are not aware of which club he will be joining because rugby agents contact him directly and not through us,” Matawalu said.
He said once Nacebe made his decision only then would they be able to know.
“But in order for him to be able to play there he has to be released from the Nadroga Rugby and the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) respectively, otherwise he would not be allowed to play.
“Also only then will we know which club he has chosen, but all we know is that there are more than one club who are interested in signing him.” FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor said they had not received any news regarding Nacebe’s contract or departure.
“I have not received any request for release or from the Nadroga Rugby regarding the matter. But he has to be released from the FRU in order to be able to go abroad and play,” O’Connor said.
Nacebe made his mark during the earlier rounds of the Australian National Rugby Championship before he was injured against the New South Wales Country Eagles at Lawaqa Park in September.