Veteran Nayacalevu will join the team as injury cover for Owen Watkin who suffered a serious knee injury playing for Wales against France in the Six Nations opener in January and will miss the rest of the campaign.
Nayacalevu, 34, joined Sale from Toulon for the start of the 2024-25 season as a replacement for Manu Tuilagi and has played seven games for the English side during this campaign.
Decorated centre Nayacalevu spent a decade at Stade Francais where he scored 82 tries in 200 appearances. He switched to Toulon two years ago and is now set for a spell in south Wales.
The 6’4” powerhouse scored a try in Fiji’s famous win at Twickenham before the 2023 World Cup, a tournament in which he captained his country. He also led Fiji to victory against Wales in November 2024 in Cardiff.
A walking highlight reel, Nayacalevu is a destructive ball carrier, while also having a momentum killing hit ready to go off at any moment.
Ospreys are 13th in the United Rugby Championship (URC) and have not given up hope of reaching the play-offs by finishing in the top eight, while they also face Scarlets in Europe’s Challenge Cup last 16 in early April.
Speaking about the move to the Ospreys Waisea Nayacalevu said:
“It’s a real honour to be signing with the Ospreys.
“There’s some world-class talent here and I’m looking forward to playing alongside them.
“Stepping into a team where quality experience is combined with exciting potential is ideal for me at this stage of my career.
“I believe I can contribute heavily to the squad this season, both on and off the field.”
Ospreys Head Coach Mark Jones said:
“It’s not often a player of Waisea’s calibre becomes available in the season.
“He brings a wealth of experience and leadership credentials with him, which can only be a good thing for our youngsters coming through.
“We feel Waisea can make an instant impact and be a real difference for us in Owen’s absence.
“It stands us in good stead in a season where we still have a lot to play for.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
