Fiji set to soldier on

The Fiji Rugby Union has asked New Zealand to ease a travel ban on members of the Pacific nation’s military regime so it could include a soldier in its World Cup squad.
 
New Zealand has barred Fijian soldiers, including those who play for the national rugby team, from entering the country since military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama seized control of the government in a 2006 coup.
 
But with the Fijian team weakened by injuries, coach Samu Domoni said he wanted to include lock Leone Nakarawa in his 30-man World Cup squad, to be named on Saturday.
 
Domoni said Fiji had approached New Zealand seeking an exemption for Nakarawa and was awaiting a response from Wellington.
 
“We’re just waiting on paperwork and the rationale behind the stance that has been made,” he told Radio New Zealand.
 
“We can only tick the right boxes and answer what is required for the (New Zealand) immigration department. But we are keeping our fingers crossed and hopefully things will pan out for the better,” added Domoni.
 
A spokesman for New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said Nakarawa’s case was under review but further details were unavailable at this stage.
 
The 117 kg lock is the only Fiji player affected by the ban, although many top officials at the Fiji Rugby Union will not be allowed to attend the tournament because of their military ties.
 
Fiji avoided a confrontation with New Zealand authorities last month by omitting the 23-year-old from the team that travelled to Dunedin for a Test against the All Blacks.
 
Wellington has repeatedly said the ban will remain until there is evidence of substantial progress toward the return of democracy in Fiji.
 
IRB chief executive Mike Miller said in June that he hoped New Zealand would change its stance and allow Fiji to field its best team.

AFP