Former Fiji sevens and Red Rock player Eroni Ravaga-Gaunavou has been reported missing during a swim at Wairarapa beach in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Herald reports the 22 year old was swimming with a group of friends when he went under the water and did not resurface.

Puketoi Rugby Club president Bruce Bowie, who had sought out the promising player for the Wairarapa club, said other players were in disbelief at the news.

Ravaga-Gaunavou who has been in New Zealand for two months went there with the hope of rekindling his rugby career.

New Zealand Police say they have been in touch with his family in Fiji to let them know he was missing.

Ravaga-Gaunavou, from Vanua Levu, was picked for the Fijian Sevens side in 2010 but was unable to play the Dubai round because he fell ill after eating a poisonous fish.

He also played for Fiji at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in 2009.


Story by: Dhanjay Deo