Fiji 7s squad member Setefano Cakau is disappointed with the decision by the Fiji Rugby Union to drop him from the Wellington 7s next month.

Digicel 7s coach Waisale Serevi and his manager Alifereti Malo with FRU coaching director Ilivasi Tabua met at midday today to discuss the fate of Cakau.

The meeting concluded with selectors maintaining their stand on Cakau, resting him from national duties until he was cleared of all allegations linking him to the escaped convict Alifereti Baleiloa’s murder last year.

“The selectors and Wai have decided that only once Cakau is cleared of those allegations will he be included in any Digicel Fiji 7s squad,” Tabua said.

Cakau speaking from his home said he upset about the decision made against him after he was called in to join camp with the training squad over the weekend.

“When I joined camp I was hoping that I would take part in Wellington,” the prison officer said.

“I am not going to lie, I got my hopes up.”

The veteran rover was dropped for the same reason in the first leg of the IRB World 7s Series – despite the fact that he was the most experienced player in the team who could have easily filled the captaincy role successfully.

“I guess all I have to do now is respect their decision and go with it,” he said.

He recommended Emosi Vucago to lead the 7s team saying the Nadroga halfback was the best candidate for the job.

“I will still train, nothings going to keep me away from my rugby and I still have sights set on representing Fiji in the world cup in Dubai.”

Tabua said their stand on dropping Cakau from the team was the in the best interest of FRU and Fiji.

“This will help prevent further problems as we look towards building the best team to the world event in Dubai,” he added.

The Wellington 7s kicks off on February 6-7.

Fijilive

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