3 Jun 2010

Visa woes prompts Fiji rugby team rejig

5:55 pm on 3 June 2010

Fiji has been forced to make changes for Saturday's rugby test against Australia in Canberra after two players were denied visas because of alleged military links.

Prop Alefoso Yalayalatabua and scrumhalf Nikola Matawalu were the two left behind with Australian media reporting that both are involved in the Fiji navy.

The Australian and New Zealand Governments passed travel sanctions on people with links to the Fiji military regime which staged a coup in 2006.

The Fiji Rugby Union has named Vesi Rarawa and Rupeni Nasiga as replacements.

Fiji also boasts Campese Ma'afu, making his international debut in unique circumstances when he lines up at loosehead prop against his brother Salesi, who will debut for Australia at tighthead.