He was one of the few Top 14 players not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and its variants.
A few days ago Waisea Nayacalevu assumed this position.
“I signed to play rugby, not to be vaccinated, explained the interested party in our columns.
My immune system is good and I'm in great shape.
I still hope that this law will not pass.
If so, I will probably get vaccinated so I can continue to play rugby in this country.
But this is my last option.
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About 98% of Top 14 players are vaccinated and Nayacalevu (31, 26 caps), who contracted Covid-19 twice, had openly claimed not to want a shot.
Waisea Nayacalevu, the Fijian antivax who carries the Stade Français: "I don't believe in the vaccine, it's bullshit"
➡️ https://t.co/wRncFUDkpD pic.twitter.com/scevdfFiSl
— The Parisian |
sport (@leparisiensport) January 5, 2022
But since the vote of the National Assembly on Sunday, which changes the health pass into a vaccine pass, the Fijian international from the French stadium no longer had a choice.
His position had become untenable.
If the future Toulon player wanted to continue playing in France, he had to go through the vaccination box.
It will be done in a few days.
"Waisea contracted the virus a few weeks ago so today he is autoimmune," said Thomas Lombard, general manager of the Parisian club, in an interview with AFP on Monday.
But, when he will come out of his immunity, he will be vaccinated.
We talked about it with him.
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French or foreign professional athletes will now have to show their credentials and present their vaccination certificate to enter a sports arena... And exercise their profession.
“We never asked ourselves the question of breaking his contract, assures Lombard.
We have read or heard a lot of things but we did not have clear regulations.
We obviously discussed with him, we must respect the wishes of the players… Up to a certain point.
When we arrive at a blocking situation, we are obliged to decide.
But, with Waisea, we have never come to such a situation.
He is aware of it and there was never any question for him of going to arm wrestling.
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