Fiji international Waisea Nayacalevu, who signed a short-term deal with the Ospreys in February, has yet to make his debut for the Welsh club due to a personal matter. The 34-year-old centre, who will join Stade Nicois next season, was expected to play in the Ospreys’ clash with Connacht, but his absence was felt as the team triumphed 43-40 in the United Rugby Championship (URC) to secure a vital win.

Nayacalevu had been brought in as a replacement for Owen Watkin, who was injured during Wales’ Six Nations opener against France. Despite the Ospreys’ need for reinforcements in the midfield, the Fiji captain’s personal situation has delayed his introduction to the squad. Head coach Mark Jones explained after the win over Connacht that Nayacalevu is currently spending time with his family to address the personal matter, a decision the club fully supports.

“We feel that this time is important for him, and we are giving him the space to sort things out,” said Jones. “Once everything is settled, we’ll reassess and see when he’ll be ready to join us fully.”

In his absence, the Ospreys have continued to battle through a series of injuries. Centre Keiran Williams was forced off during the Connacht match, further adding to the club’s injury woes. However, the return of Phil Cokanasiga from a long-term injury has provided a much-needed boost to the squad.

Looking ahead, the Ospreys are facing a challenging few weeks with a double-header against their local rivals, the Scarlets, in both league and European competition. The Ospreys’ victory over Connacht lifted them into the URC play-off places, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and intense period of matches.

Despite the setbacks, Coach Jones remains optimistic, praising the resilience of the team. “We have good replacements, and our squad is in a strong position,” he said. “Injuries are part of the game, and our players have shown they can step up when called upon.”

As the Ospreys prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the return of Nayacalevu remains a key prospect. His experience and leadership could be a valuable asset for the team as they aim to secure a spot in the play-offs and continue their push for European glory.