"Personal reasons" - Newcastle Red Bulls confirm major signing will no longer join club

Newcastle Red Bulls have confirmed that Fiji international Joji Nasova will not join the club for the 2026/27 season after being released from his contract for personal reasons.

The powerful outside back had agreed terms on a move to the Premiership, but will now remain in Fiji with his current club, Fijian Drua.

Newcastle announced the decision in a club statement on Monday, revealing that an agreement had been reached following discussions involving the player, the Drua and the Fiji Rugby Players Association.

Newcastle release statement

The club said:

“Newcastle Red Bulls can confirm the club has agreed to release Joji Nasova from his contract for next season, for personal reasons.”

Nasova had been expected to make the move to the North East ahead of the new campaign.

However, Newcastle said that after taking time to assess the situation, they had accepted his request to remain in Fiji.

The statement added:

“The player had agreed terms to join the club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. However, after careful consideration, and having taken time to fully assess the circumstances, Newcastle Red Bulls have agreed that Joji can remain with his current team, Fijian Drua.”

The club stressed that the matter had been handled in conjunction with the relevant parties and within existing rugby regulations.

“The club has worked constructively with the player, Fijian Drua and the Fiji Rugby Players Association to reach a resolution that recognises Joji’s personal circumstances, while also respecting the importance of contractual stability within the RFU and World Rugby frameworks.”

“Rugby is built on people, families and communities”

Newcastle general manager of rugby Neil McIlroy admitted the club had been excited by the prospect of Nasova joining their squad.

But he insisted supporting the player and his family had to take priority.

McIlroy said:

“While we were very much looking forward to welcoming Joji to Newcastle Red Bulls, we fully understand and respect the unique personal circumstances that have led to this decision.”

He continued:

“Contractual certainty is vital for clubs, players and the wider game. But at the same time rugby is built on people, families and communities, and we believe our responsibility as an employer extends beyond the field.”

McIlroy concluded by wishing Nasova and the Drua well for the future.

Major attacking threat

Nasova would have arrived in England with a growing reputation as one of Fiji’s most dangerous attacking players.

He was part of the Fiji sevens squad that reached the gold-medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, eventually taking silver after defeat to hosts France.

Nasova played a crucial role in Fiji’s quarter-final victory over Ireland, scoring as Fiji recovered from an eight-point deficit to win 19-15 and reach the semi-finals.

He then enjoyed an outstanding 2025 international sevens season.

Nasova finished level with Argentina’s Marcos Moneta as the leading try-scorer in the men’s series, with 26 tries, while also ending the campaign as the overall leading points scorer with 158.

World Rugby noted that he became only the fourth Fijian to claim the season’s top try-scoring honour.

The flyer has also transferred his explosive qualities into the 15-a-side game with Fiji.

He scored twice during Fiji’s 2025 Pacific Nations Cup final victory over Japan and was named player of the match after a devastating attacking display.

Blow to Newcastle’s plans

Nasova’s release represents a setback for Newcastle, who had expected to add his pace, power and finishing ability to their back-three options.

His blend of sevens experience and emerging Test pedigree would have offered the club a genuine point of difference.

However, Newcastle’s statement was notable for the emphasis it placed on welfare and personal circumstances rather than simply contractual enforcement.

The club will now have to decide whether to return to the market for a replacement ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

For Nasova, the decision means remaining in a familiar environment with the Fijian Drua, while continuing to build his international career from Fiji.