The political sanctions on Fiji by the New Zealand government that was also extended to sporting teams has forced the Fiji Rugby Union and the Digicel Fiji Warriors team to call off their trip to Auckland this weekend.

An invitation from the Fijian Methodist Church in Auckland was extended to coach Waisale Serevi and his men to take part in their annual sevens competition as part of their fundraising drive to build a new church.

FRU Chief Executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua said the decision was unfortunate but the visa applications for the whole sevens team was rejected by NZ.

He said the cancellation spells a huge blow to the team's preparation ahead of the upcoming Dubai and George Sevens tournaments as well as the World Cup Sevens in Dubai next March.

Tavanavanua said this was another opportunity to test the new players in the Digicel Fiji Sevens squad but despite the hiccup, he remained optimistic about preparation plans and has not ruled out other options.

The Digicel Fiji Warriors Sevens team which returned from Australia last week after winning the Fiji Day Sevens tournament in Sydney was scheduled to leave for Auckland tomorrow.