Briets: Change in Test window, Naqelevuki committed

The Fiji Times/IRB.Com - Sunday, May 10, 2009 8:53 PM

A CHANGE in dates for the Test windows directed by the International Rugby Board will allow Fiji to field its elite players based overseas during the IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

Fiji will face the Junior All Blacks, Japan, Samoa and Tonga so the availability of professionals plying their trade abroad will ensure the Flying Fijians are compeittive in the PNC which provides a key player development role for each of the participating Unions.

The Junior All Blacks who were 2006 and 2007 champions replace New Zealand Maori for the series this June.

Tabua said: " With the PNC shifted to the international Test match window we will have our top players available”.

He said a review with the IRB allowed Tier Two nations its top players.

"We addressed that issue last year when we had a review with the IRB. Because we're going to be ranked internationally from the results of PNC, we need to have our best players playing at home," Tabua said.

"All Tier One nations are allowed their best players during the international window and we want that too.." The PNC begins on June 12.
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AUSSIES PULL OUT

AUSTRALIA despite its many verbal promises to help Tier Two nations have pulled out of the annual IRB sanctioned Pacific Nations Cup which will be held on a tournaments basis in Fiji next month

The announcement follows the Australian Rugby Union’s decision to withdraw the 2007 and 2008 runners-up Australia A from this year’s tournament following a strategic review of operations and planning for 2009 by the ARU,

The IRB Board has confirmed that the Junior All Blacks will return to compete in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup in 2009.

The participation of the Junior All Blacks in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup will be welcomed by Japan and the Pacific Island Unions- Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

“The New Zealand Rugby Union has been extremely supportive of the tournament since its inception in 2006 and the return of the two-time champions will certainly create additional interest in the 2009 event,” said IRB Head of Development and Performance Mark Egan.

“The IRB is committed to developing Rugby around the world including the Pacific region.

“This is highlighted by the announcement earlier this year that the second phase of the strategic investment programme will see a further US$94 million invested in the Game.

“This includes the continued delivery of development initiatives and key tournaments in the Pacific region such as the IRB Pacific Nations Cup and IRB Pacific Rugby Cup that provide player development pathways."

"The IRB Pacific Nations Cup has certainly played a large role in raising the competitiveness of Test Rugby in the region, highlighted by the memorable performances of Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tonga at Rugby World Cup 2007."

"With an exciting new competition format due to be announced in the New Year, the scene is set for what promises to be a fascinating 2009 tournament,” added Egan.
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NAQELEVUKI NOT AVAILABLE

SIRELI Naqelevuki will miss most of Fiji's Pacific Nations Cup campaign.

The Western Province club wants Naqelevuki back in South Africa after Fiji's game against the Junior All Blacks on June 18, to prepare for the Currie Cup.

The Kadavu man has been with Newlands club for two years and earned himself a Super 14 contract with the Stormers.

Fiji Rugby Union coaching director Ilivasi Tabua said he would search locally for a replacement.

Apart from Naqelevuki, 2007 World Cup quarter-finalists Mosese Rauluni, Kameli Ratuvou and Nicky Little have been ruled out.

Tabua said all top overseas players had been invited to be part of Fiji's campaign.

"The only two that we are in doubt of because of injury are Mosese Raulini and Kameli Ratuvou.

Their medical reports have been sent to us in regards to their availability," Tabua said. "Besides that, everyone else is coming in the last week of May and the first week of June.

"Akapusi (Qera) has shown interest in coming. We're jus awaiting confirmation from his club on when he's going to be released.

"On the last week of May, 16 players would have arrived and our preparation begins on the first week on June.

"We have two weeks to prepare before our first game on June 13."

Tabua said a strict selection criteria would be put in place and everyone would be tested upon arrival.

"We've seen the locally-based players and there are certain positions that we are looking at,"