The Flying Fijian 15s rugby team preparation of the Pacific Nation Cup received another setback this afternoon with the news that lock forward Ifereimi Rawaqa has been ruled out.

Rawaqa who is Fiji's best line-out jumper has not fully recovered from a knee injury he suffered during his club commitments in Japan.

Manager Semi Rogoyawa said that it is unfortunate to lose someone like Rawaqa who has the experience but he hopes the other players who have been picked will rise to the occasion during the PNC.

With Rawaqa injured it has left Coach Ilivasi Tabua with Kele Leawere, Josefa Domolailai, Wame Lewaravu and Anthony Wise as his choice at locks.

The other players who have been dropped from the 36 member squad are Sireli Ledua, Langi Peters, Sionasa Vunisa, James Brown and Vitori Buatava.

The side left for Nadi at 4.30pm to prepare for the opening PNC game against Tonga next Saturday in Nukualofa.