Fiji’s Isa Nacewa and Jone Qovu out of 2011 Rugby World Cup Squad – Rugby news
Fiji Rugby Union’s 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) preparation was dealt a severe blow when their key players Isa Nacewa and Jone Qovu withdrew from Fiji’s national team for the upcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup. Fiji Rugby Union has confirmed the players’ unavailability
for the upcoming 2011 RWC in a statement released on the union’s official website on Friday, June 10.
The statement released read, “Citing personal commitments Europe based players Isa Nacewa and Jone Qovu have today both respectfully declined the invitation to be part of the Flying Fijians squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.”
The New Zealand born Nacewa is currently playing for the Welsh professional rugby union senior club Leinster Rugby. Full back Nacewa’s impressive performance during the 2010/11 Magners League has helped the Leinster reach the finals of the league.
At the end of the 2010/11 Magners League, Nacewa played in the Barbarians summer tour. His most impressive performance for the Bar Baas came in their June 4 clash against Wales at Cardiff. Nacewa scored two tries in the match including a try in the dying
minutes of the game to give the visitors a 31 – 28 victory.
Nacewa termed his pregnant wife and two daughters as the main reasons due to which he won’t be able to perform national duties. He said, “My pregnant wife and my twin girls are my number one priority at the moment.”
The 28-year-old Nacewa has expressed his hopes that his national team will perform well in the upcoming World Cup in New Zealand. He further added that there are some impressive players in the side and they have the potential to progress in the tournament.
Nacewa who was awarded Ireland’s Player of the Year award for helping Leinster lift the 2010/11 Heineken Cup title has extended his best wishes to the team in the upcoming Pacific Nations cup and 2011 RWC.
The 25-year-old Qovu has also termed his pregnant wife as his main priority for the moment. He said, “My wife is pregnant and my main focus now is looking after her.”
The Fijian born Qovu is currently playing for the French Top 14 side Racing Metro. He further added his replacement would not be hard to find out. He said, “I am at ease with this decision as I know there are more than enough players around who can replace
me."
Fiji’s rugby union head coach, Sam Domoni, has expressed his disappointed at the unavailability of Isa Nacewa and Jones Qovu at full back and number eight respectively. However, at the same time he has welcomed the players decision. He said, “Players, like
Nacewa and Qovu, need to look after their young family's welfare and that's a priority for any player.
Fiji will participate in the IRB 2011 Pacific Nations tournament starting from July 2, 2011 that will help them finalise their final squad for the 2011 RWC.
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