I REFER to yesterday’s headline “Sevens hurdle — Waqavulagi’s eligibility in question”.

This serves as a timely reminder to all players deciding to ply their trade overseas that it is important to think twice before signing a contract.

Emori had decided to play for Sri Lanka and then felt that this would jeopardise his eligibility to play for his motherland.

I remember, Apisai Naqaliva had earlier on donned the national jumper but departed to Sri Lanka to play rugby.

FRU must write to World Rugby concerning this and if Emori is not eligible to play for Fiji then a suitable replacement must be chosen before the national sevens team departs for Dubai.

A win in Dubai would be an ideal start for Fiji’s defence of the series title.

There should be no hurdle on our way to a third title in the series and a second one in Dubai. Emori’s pace has caught the eyes of Ben and he would be an asset to our formidable sevens outfit.

On the other hand, best wishes to the U20 team as they prepare to play in the Oceania Rugby Junior Trophy competition this weekend.

To top this up, star player Kaveni Dabenaise will captain the team alongside Naivaladua and Filimoni Savou. Coach Ravouvou and his team have done the hard yards.

They need the country’s support to deliver the goods. I am confident that come the finals, our young Flying Fijians will stand tall and make us proud.

I also pay tribute to All Blacks captain Richie McCaw who has made up his mind to retire from international rugby.

This great rugby player will no doubt be missed by his All Blacks and Crusaders teams and fans.

Thank you so much Richie for being a loyal servant for NZ rugby. Your leadership and guidance on the rugby field has set a benchmark for all other players that to be successful one needs to work hard.

The Nadi soccer team has also made Fiji proud by winning the Pacific Cup.

The green machine proved all critics wrong. Go Nadi, go!