FIJI Airways Fijian 7s skipper Kalione Nasoko has been ruled out of the Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments due to a persistent knee injury.
In a statement this morning, Fiji Airways Fijian 7s Coach Gareth Baber said “Kali has been battling with injuries and has not been able to recover in time, so he won’t be available for Hong Kong and Singapore.”
Nasoko has been a revelation in the leadership role for Fiji this season, taking them to victories in Cape Town and Hamilton, however he aggravated his knee at the Canada 7s and despite close monitoring by the medical team has failed to reach the strength required to compete at arguably the circuits toughest tournament.
Baber will name his traveling squad for the next two tournaments today.
In an ironic twist, the injury news comes the same time the FRU and Kalione Nasoko announce he has signed a two-year contract with PRO 14 outfit Edinburgh.
FRU Chief Executive John O’Connor said in the statement “Nasoko was working closely with the Union to pursue an overseas contract with the Scotland based side.”
He added “Nasoko has been one of the hardest working members in the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side and has grown over the years since his debut in 2016.”
Head Coach Gareth Baber said he is excited for Nasoko who has had a fantastic season this year.
“Nasoko has been given an opportunity to go to Edinburgh and develop himself as a fifteens player,” Baber said.
The 28-year-old will join Fiji Airways Flying Fijian Viliame Mata who has been in scintillating form for Edinburgh Rugby.
The PRO 14 club has also signed Fiji’s beloved ‘Sledgehammer’ Eroni Sau.
Sau has been playing for Perpignan in French Top 14 and will join his new club next season.
The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team departs for Hong Kong tomorrow.
They are pooled with arch rivals New Zealand, Australia and Kenya.
The Hong Kong 7s will be held from April 5-7, 2019.
