Sporting sanctions imposed by the New Zealand Government have forced the Fiji Rugby Union to postpone the Digicel Fiji Warriors participation at the Auckland 7s.
The tournament is organised by the Fijian Methodist Church in Auckland, New Zealand, and an invitation was extended to coach Waisale Serevi and his men to take part in the annual competition as part of a fundraising drive to build a new church at Mays Road in Onehunga.
A team of 14, including Serevi and manager Jope Tuivanuavou, were scheduled to leave on Friday. The tournament is scheduled for Saturday in Auckland.
However, political sanctions on Fiji by the New Zealand Government extend to sporting teams and this has forced the FRU and the Digicel Fiji Warriors team management to forfeit the tournament.
FRU chief executive officer Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua said the decision was unfortunate but inevitable.
“This was to be another opportunity to test new players in the Digicel Fiji 7s squad,” Tavanavanua said.
“So it was unfortunate that it came to this. But it is something that we cannot control.”
The cancellation spells a huge blow to the team’s preparation ahead of the upcoming Dubai and George 7s tournaments as well as the World Cup 7s in Dubai next March.
However, Tavanavanua said the FRU would continue to offer its support towards the team management to ensure preparation was covered adequately.
“In saying that, the FRU will continue to help the Digicel Fiji 7s team coaches and management in any way possible towards building the best team to the upcoming Dubai and George 7s tournaments.”
Despite the hiccup, coach Serevi remained optimistic about preparation plans and has not ruled out other options.
“It’s unfortunate but we have to respect the stand by the New Zealand government,” said Serevi.
“But we are not the only ones affected. There are people who have been denied education and a chance to work in the country for the same reason.
“First and foremost I would like to thank the players for marching into camp and doing their part despite the late notice.
“I would also like to thank the families of the players for allowing them to come in for the camp. And my apology as well for what has happened because we only found out about the cancellation this afternoon.”
He added the players’ have also been informed about the decision and have come to terms with it.
“In spite of this, the players seem to have taken the news well. We have to continue with our training this afternoon,” Serevi said.
“In fact the players will stay on in camp and continue with the training until we break camp on Friday.
“Our preparation will not stop here. We will certainly be looking at other options as they arise.”
Meanwhile, the players who are currently in camp are Seremaia Burotu, Osea Kolinisau, Eneri Kuru, Etonia Naba, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Naisa Narukutabua, Sailosi Rabonaqica, William Rasileka, Iliesa Ratuva, Orisi Sareki, Asivorosi Tarakinikini and Emosi Vucago.
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