Ospreys sign Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu as injury cover for Owen Watkin

The Ospreys have signed Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu as injury cover for Wales centre Owen Watkin until the end of this season.

Nayacalevu, who led his country at the 2023 World Cup in France, has left Gallagher Premiership club Sale Sharks with immediate effect.

Watkin suffered a serious knee injury during Wales’ Guinness Six Nations opener against France in Paris, and he is not expected to play again this term.

Sale

Nayacalevu, 34, signed a one-year deal with Sale last summer, but he has failed to pin down a regular first-team place.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t seen the best of him in a Sharks shirt, but he is a great guy, a brilliant player, and everyone at Sale wishes him all the best for the future,” Sale rugby director Alex Sanderson told the club’s official website.

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones said: “It is not often a player of Waisea’s calibre becomes available in-season. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership credentials with him.

“We feel Waisea can make an instant impact and be a real difference-maker for us in Owen’s absence, and stands us in good stead in a season where we still have a lot to play for.”