Flying Fijians coach Ilivasi Tabua was surprised to hear that Australia A has pulled out from next season's Pacific Nations Cup.

Tabua had high hopes for next year's competition although Fiji has failed to win it, which has been dominated by New Zealand's Junior All Blacks in 2007 and New Zealand Maori in 2008.

Tabua said with Australia A now out, this could be a blow to Fiji's preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.