Fijian winger Joji Nasova will remain with the Fijian Drua after Newcastle Red Bulls agreed to release him from his contract for next season due to personal reasons.
Nasova had agreed to join the English club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
However, Newcastle Red Bulls says after carefully considering the circumstances, the club agreed to allow Nasova to remain with the Drua.
The club says it worked closely with Nasova, the Fijian Drua and the Fiji Rugby Players Association to reach a resolution that recognises his personal circumstances while respecting contractual stability within the Rugby Football Union and World Rugby frameworks.
Newcastle Red Bulls General Manager Rugby, Neil McIlroy says while the club was looking forward to welcoming Nasova, it fully understands and respects the unique personal circumstances behind the decision.
McIlroy says contractual certainty is important for clubs, players and the wider game, but rugby is also built on people, families and communities, and the club believes its responsibility as an employer extends beyond the field.
He wished Nasova, his family and the Fijian Drua every success in the future.
