THE future and welfare of Fiji 7s Olympian gold medallist, Kitione Taliga after signing a lucrative contract to play for the Stade Francais Rugby Club in the France Top 14 tournament this season, is under a cloud.
A club official who wanted to remain anonymous, yesterday revealed the 7s utility back line player had not been officially released by the Fiji Rugby Union.
The official said once Taliga would be released by the FRU, then only he could be allowed to play, otherwise he would be sent back to Fiji.
Taliga had opted out of Fiji’s preparation for the continuing HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and had resigned from his Fiji Corrections Service job.
The official also said they wanted to test Taliga last week, but was unable to play because of the release issue.
“All the procedures have been properly followed to have his release from FRU, unfortunately nothing has been confirmed as yet,” he said.
“We badly want him to play, but we are bound by the laws of the game that unless he is released by FRU then only we can allow him to play.
“Otherwise we will have no other option, but to send him back to Fiji.
“That would mean upon return he would be unemployed.”
No comments could be obtained from the Rugby House despite numerous calls and emails sent to FRU chief executive officer John O’Connor.
The French club official said Taliga was in France and was looking forward to join his fellow countrymen Waisea Nayacalevu and Josaia Raisuqe for his new 15s team.
The Dratabu native was drafted by former Fiji 7s coach Ben Ryan to join the national team in 2015 and made his debut for the Fiji 7s team at the 2015 Dubai 7s.
He attended Ratu Navula College and was later recruited by the Fiji Corrections Service and joined the Wardens 7s team. He also featured for the Namosi 15s team in local provincial competition.
Meanwhile, Taliga’s teammate Savenaca Rawaca has also withdrawn from the Fiji 7s team after signing a contract with La Rochelle in the France Top 14 competition.
Other members of the Fiji 7s winning Rio Olympics gold medallists playing in France are Josua Tuisova and Leone Nakarawa.
