Mystery surrounds sudden exit of Waqa Nalaga from Fijian Drua

The Fijian Drua have announced that they have parted ways with 21-year-old centre Waqa Nalaga.

In a brief statement, the club declared: “Following due process, Waqa Nalaga has left the Fijian Drua. The club will not be making any further comments on this matter.”

The lack of additional information leaves questions unanswered, with no clarity on whether Nalaga departed voluntarily or was dismissed. The sudden nature of the announcement is surprising, especially as recently as November 21, Nalaga had been featured prominently alongside the Drua's other centres in promotional material for their upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, which includes seven home games.

Nalaga earned his first international cap for the Flying Fijians on November 2 in a heavy defeat to Scotland (57-17), where he came off the bench for 17 minutes. At 177 cm and 91 kg, he was seen as a key member of Fiji’s next generation, capable of playing both at centre and on the wing.

In the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, Nalaga made five appearances for the Drua, starting in three and scoring two tries. His versatility and potential had drawn attention to his development.

Waqa Nalaga is the younger brother of former Flying Fijian and ASM Clermont winger Napolioni Nalaga. The elder Nalaga left an indelible mark on the Top 14, scoring 105 tries in 170 matches during his time with Clermont from 2006 to 2015.

While the reasons for Nalaga's departure remain unclear, his exit marks the end of what was expected to be a promising chapter in his career with the Fijian Drua.