Former national 7s reps playing in the Army Red team in tomorrow's Fiji Bitter Marist 7s will miss the selection to be part of the Digicel Fiji 7s team to defend the Melrose Cup.

Fiji Rugby Union coaching director Ilivasi Tabua had confirmed that the side will transit through Australia on their way to Dubai, which will make it hard for the soldiers to be in the team as the travel ban is still in place.

Tabua added it is unfortunate for former national 7s reps like Dale Tonawai, Iliavi Satala, Manueli Gade and Timoci Volavola to face this travel sanction.

Army Red in the past 3 years of the Marist 7's have played in all the finals but were unlucky not to win any of them.

They are one of the favourites to win this year.

The Marist 7s kicks off tomorrow at 9am at the TFL National Stadium and also at the Suva Grammar ground at 10am.