The Vodafone Fiji 7s teams hope of retaining the Hong Kong 7s title has suffered a major blow as captain Lepani Botia will not be part of the team.
Botia has revealed to Fijivillage that he has signed a contract with a France based club Atlantique Stade Rochelais.
Botia said he is waiting for his visa to be finalized and is expected to leave the country on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old from Naivucini, Naitasiri said this is the first step for him towards his dream of donning the Vodafone Flying Fijians jersey in the next Rugby World Cup.
Botia is expected to be joined by wing Sireli Bobo in the same club.
Meanwhile, Fiji 7s coach, Ben Ryan is expected to name his 16 member squad for the Tokyo and Hong Kong 7s tournament on Saturday after the final of the Marist 7s.
The Tokyo 7s is scheduled for the 22nd and 23rd of this month and the Hong Kong 7s will be held a week later.
Story by: Aliki Bia
