rugbymarc says...

Interesting comments below. Point of information @ Ramage, Fiji is banned from the commonwealth, not the Olympics. THe U.K. has no travel sanctions for individuals connected to the Fiji government. The player concerned was at the IRB 7s in London in May.

As for his inclusion in the 35 man preparation squad. This is merited on his playing ability. The fact that the FRU are still short of 1.8 million euros to fund their RWC campaign, and awaiting 800K from the Fiji government is obviously a influencing factor.. without that funding they will find it hard to go to N.Z. anyway.

Posted 21:39 20th July 2011

Stag says...

@5lock4ward: have a look and at my previous post and then consider the recent diplomatic history of your own country before judging others.

Posted 09:03 18th July 2011

5Lock4ward says...

I still think Uruguay should have their gear ready just in case they become a last minute replacement for the diplomatically challenged Fijians.

Posted 23:44 17th July 2011

Ramage says...

@keste03 Rubbish there are far more important facets to life than sport and when a government places the convenience of sport above this they do so at their peril. I say again that when it comes to entry to a country it is that country's Government who decides who enters that country not the sporting body as the sporting body of that country who must obey the laws of the land. The NZ and Australian government have made this issue abundantly clear in its fight against the illegal Fijian regime.The decision to award the RWC to NZ was made in Nov 2005 the illegal overthrow of the Legitimate Fijian Government did not take place until Dec 2006 .NZ and Australia made this call as a way to punish Bainimarama as they felt trade sanctions would hurt the Fijian people more. The Commonwealth expelled Fiji and India did not allow Fiji to participate in the Commonwealth games as UK will when it comes to the Olympic games unless there are democratic changes in Fiji. The IRB has had enogh time to take the tournament away from NZ but has not done so. It is sad for Fiji but Bainimarama has it in his own hands to reinstate elections to elect a legitimate government. Even the IRB recognises it is the NZ government's call not theirs as you wont see them acting like Fifa who try to dictate to sovereign governments. Remember India did not invite Fiji to participate in the Commonwealth games, and UK will do the same at the Olympics. So don't point the finger at NZ as at least it is allowing Fiji to participate as opposed to banning it completely. It is the illegal regime of Bainimarame that is the pariha not NZ and the NZ people will welcome the Fijians minus its military to the RWC..

Posted 04:29 16th July 2011

keste03 says...

A world cup shouldnt be placed in a country that doesnt allow for countries to bring the players they want. Politics shouldnt be an issue, and the IRB have failed on this one.

Posted 20:15 15th July 2011