Racing explain the reasons why they have just fired Leone Nakarawa

Leone Nakarawa has had his contract terminated by Racing 92 following his late arrival back at the Top 14 club following the recent World Cup.

The Fijian reported back to the Parisians later than permitted after he had gone to the Pacific Islands to construct a new family home following his country’s pool stage elimination from the finals in Japan. 

In a statement posted on the Racing 92 club website on Friday, it stated: “After a few days thinking about the legal deadlines, Jacky Lorenzetti has decided to break Nakarawa's contract.

“This decision, taken in consultation with the sporting director of the club, follows on from the proven disciplinary manoeuvres of Nakarawa who, in particular, did not show up at the resumption of the training programme on October 28.

“Nakarara, moreover, refused to answer the messages that the club addressed to him after having noted his unjustified absence and was willing to fix the date of his return.

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“His abandonment of his post for more than two weeks has been a serious prejudice to Racing… moreover, it is a deplorable example for Racing players as his title of best player in the 2018 European Cup should have encouraged him to be exemplary.

"At Racing, the only star is the team and the individualistic attitude of Nakarawa is inconceivable. It indicates a total lack of team spirit and a characterised insubordination. In the interests of preserving the institution of Racing, this decision of rupture was imperative.”

It all means Nakarawa has now been fired by the club he joined from Glasgow in 2016 after winning a gold medal for Fiji rugby sevens at the Rio Olympics.

With a year and a half remaining on his contract, it remains to be seen if 31-year-old Nakarawa will now take Racing to the labour court in France to contest their decision. 

In the meantime, as reported last Sunday by RugbyPass, the Fijian is in negotiations about potentially joining the Premiership club.  

“Our immediate thought process is to get Nakawara in,” said Steve Diamond last weekend. “The situation with Nakawara is that he has to be given a two weeks grace under French regulations and if we can get him then we will.”

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