Sale Sharks tell Waisea Nayacalevu he can leave

Sale Sharks have told Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu that he is free to leave the club if he can find himself another club after he struggled to make the impact it was hoped following his move from Toulon last summer.

Outside centre Nayacalevu, 34, signed a one-year deal with the Sharks, who are sixth in the Premiership table, four points outside the top four places, with the option of a second year depending on form and fitness.

They had earmarked him as the short-term replacement for Manu Tuilagi when he signed a two-year deal with Top 14 outfit Bayonne, but he has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place.

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Nayacalevu, who played alongside his brother Avenisi Vasuinubu for Melbourne in the Victoria Rugby Championship, moved to France where he spent a decade playing for Stade Francais after impressing in the PNC.

He has only made six appearances for the Sharks this season, but he hasn’t started a game for Alex Sanderson’s side since the 47-17 defeat to Premiership champions Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens in October.

Nayacalevu, who made 185 appearances for Stade before spending two years in Toulon, has played just 21 minutes in two games since playing for Fiji against Ireland in their final Autumn international.

Sanderson was initially delighted with the signing of Nayacalevu, who famously scored for Fiji in their historic pre-World Cup win against England at Twickenham saying in September.

“I miss Manu, miss him for so many reasons. But Waisea brings something different. He can tank it, but he has got an outside break as well. He has got that relaxed demeanour and character that brings young kids on.

“And lightens the huddles that sometimes can get a bit too intense. He has that about him. Manu had it; he [Nayacalevu] has just brought a different edge to us, having had Manu for so long,” he said.

However, he is now free to look for another club, and the Sharks are believed to be searching fertile hunting grounds in South Africa for his replacement.