French rugby website rugbyrama is reporting Josaia Nacika’s legal representation will appeal to the decision to have the Dax second rower deported.

Excerpt from article – More than just a setback, this deportation order is a cataclysm for him. He already learned his lesson well with the conviction in November 2024. Mr. Nacika wants to send the message that he will never repeat this lapse in judgment. He has re-evaluated his actions. He no longer touches a drop of alcohol. He has already been convicted by the criminal court. He has his life here. He is integrated. His partner is a French citizen. He has a whole family back home who depends on him. He wants to dedicate himself fully to his rugby career. Receiving this decision from the prefect, which puts an end to all of that, has completely devastated him. It’s a whole dream shattered, but he is determined to assert his rights in court.

Nacika’s lawyers have one month to appeal to the decision.

Rugged loose forward Josaia Nacika will leave Dax and all French competitions after his application for visa renewal was denied.

Off-field issues which landed him in court was the determining factor along with the lack of dependant family also not helping his case to remain in France.

Where-to next for Nacika is yet to be determined, possibly a return to Fiji if he is unable to pick up a contract outside of France.

Josaia Nacika started the match against Brive strongly with 9 tough carries but it was in defence where he was pinged just before halftime for a dangerous tackle on the opposition halfback.

Thinking the ball had left the ruck, he rushed out of the line to tackle the halfback and tipped him over into a dangerous position, earning him a straight red card.

Dax would go on to lose the match 8-23.