Emori Waqa has been removed from the Vodafone Fiji 7s team that will play in the Dubai 7s next week.
The Fiji Rugby Union says it was brought to their attention that Waqa has played for Sri Lanka at the 15s and 7s level and is therefore capped under World Rugby Regulations for Sri Lanka.
The FRU says they have sought an urgent ruling from the World Rugby Regulations Committee on Waqa’s eligibility to play for Fiji and that process has commenced.
Indications are that this will not be completed prior to the Dubai 7s.
The FRU says while World Rugby will launch a full investigation into Waqa’s eligibility, they have no other option than to exclude him.
A replacement will be named this afternoon.
Fiji will meet Canada in their first pool match of the Dubai 7s at 6pm next Friday.
They will then take on Japan at 9pm next Friday before facing Argentina at 3.28am next Saturday.
The Vodafone Fiji 7s team will depart for Dubai this Thursday at 4.30pm.
